FRIENDS OF THE EARTH ISLE OF MAN: ENERGY POLICY
FOE’s energy policy is underpinned by two main principles: (1) our obligation as a responsible nation to take urgent action to reduce our carbon emissions and (2) the need for social justice. A clearly defined, and monitored, system to eliminate fuel poverty must be developed, and the pricing structures should minimise any disproportionate financial burden on low consumers and low incomes.
1) EMISSIONS: In 2013, Tynwald committed to reduce emissions by 80% (from 1990 levels) by the year 2050. Not only has no progress been made, figures from 2015 show our per capita emissions have increased since 1990, levelling off at around 10 tonnes per person.
It is unacceptable to do little or nothing for decades. There is a maximum carbon ‘budget’ which the world can incur, and any delay in reductions makes the calamitous effects of temperature rises above 1.5 degree C more likely.
(a) The Government should set meaningful interim reduction targets, incorporated into Delivering the Programme for Government.
(b) Exploitation of new fossil fuel deposits, whether by drilling or hydraulic fracturing, must not occur.
(c) Government should undertake regular monitoring of environmental emissions.
2) GENERATION: Government must plan to generate electricity from low carbon technologies. It is unacceptable to hope for a ‘silver bullet’ of some new technological marvel. Existing and rapidly developing technologies should be embraced. The plan to install up to 20MW of onshore wind was shelved by Tynwald in 2013. The Levelised Cost Of Energy (L.C.E.) for onshore wind has fallen by over 60% since then.
(a) The Government should revisit this option as a priority, vigorously dispel the misinformation about onshore wind turbines ‘taking over the countryside’ and streamline the planning process as Tynwald has previously suggested for important infrastructure projects.
(b) FOE support the development of offshore wind in our waters, and urges the Government to report back on progress made in tidal power potential surveying undertaken by potential developers under the terms of their exclusive leases.
(c) All existing large public buildings which have the potential for solar and other renewable energy power installation should do so. All new builds should be required to include this in design.
(d) Micro renewable installation by private individuals to be encouraged.
3) DEMAND/CONSUMPTION
(a) A financial incentive scheme to promote retro fitting of homes with improved insulation (going beyond just pointing people toward home efficiency surveys).
(b) Passivhaus building standards to be enforced for all new builds (in line with current EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directives).
(c) An incentive scheme to promote the choice of heat pumps rather than oil or gas central heating.
4) TRANSPORT
(a) Promote switch to hybrid and pure electric vehicles, Government to lead by example with their vehicle fleets by setting a target date for replacement vehicles.
(b) Significantly expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
(c) Set a date by which all taxis must be hybrid or electric.
(d) Evaluate cost benefits of making all public transport free of charge.
(e) Investigate suitable locations for effective ‘Park & Ride’ sites on the outskirts of Douglas.
(f) Evaluate move toward ‘polluter pays’ principle by replacing vehicle licence with fuel duties.