A major offshore wind farm proposed by energy giant Ørsted could bring a £2 billion economic boost to the Isle of Man over the next 35 years, according to the company’s projections. The Mooir Vannin project, which would see 87 turbines installed off the coast of Maughold, is being positioned as a transformative opportunity for the island’s energy future and fiscal health.
Ørsted claims the initiative could generate £57 million annually for the Manx government through seabed rental and taxation. Additionally, a community investment fund would receive up to £1.5 million per year for 15 years, supporting local development and sustainability efforts.
However, the project has not been without controversy. A public consultation held last year revealed that nearly half of respondents opposed the plan, citing concerns over visual disruption, potential harm to marine wildlife, and risks to shipping routes. In response, Ørsted scaled back the number of turbines and adjusted its proposal to address these environmental and logistical worries.
The revised plans were resubmitted last month after being temporarily withdrawn to accommodate updates to the Isle of Man’s Marine Infrastructure Management Act. A six-month examination phase is now underway, including an island-wide consultation. Following this, a recommendation report will be compiled over three months, after which the Council of Ministers will have another three months to make a final decision.
Jamie Baldwin, the project’s development director, stated that the wind farm could either be directly connected to the Isle of Man or linked solely to the UK grid, with the island purchasing energy as needed. Given the scale of the £4.5 billion project—spanning 81 square miles—it would produce significantly more electricity than the island requires, with surplus energy exported to the UK.
If approved, Mooir Vannin could be operational between 2031 and 2033 and is expected to create around 30 long-term jobs. A public meeting later this month will allow Garff Commissioners to gather further feedback from residents, particularly regarding the project's visual and ecological impact.
While the Isle of Man Government has yet to comment, the wind farm represents a pivotal moment in the island’s renewable energy ambitions, balancing economic gain with environmental stewardship.
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