October 21 (Renewables Now) - UK renewables investor Cubico Sustainable Investments and its joint venture partner Peel NRE are planning to build a 26-MW solar park on the Isle of Man, set to become the first utility-scale solar farm in the self-governing British Crown dependency.

The Billown Solar Farm is scheduled to go online in 2026 and will generate electricity to cover more than 5% of the Isle of Man’s current electricity demand, Peel Cubico Renewables (PCR) said on Thursday. The firm estimates it will need around GBP 30 million (USD 33.3m/EUR 34.2m) to execute its plan.

The proposed photovoltaic (PV) park will be located on 84 acres of agricultural land near Castletown, with its future output expected to supply up to 7,700 local homes annually. The project also calls for the construction of an onsite substation and a battery storage system.

“The development could be operational by 2024 and is a no-regrets hedge against future price volatility for the Island as well as a huge opportunity for the Island to take control over its long-term energy needs [..],” said Stephen Snowdon, planning and development manager at Peel Cubico Renewables.

The proposal will be presented to the local community through a public consultation running until November 13.

(GBP 1.0 = USD 1.110/EUR 1.140)