The possibility of a wind farm being built in the Isle of Man has moved a significant step closer.

A report commissioned by the government's recently formed Energy Working Group concludes onshore wind turbines could be used to generate twelve per cent of the Island's present generation needs.

The report also agrees with earlier studies which concluded the Isle of Man benefits from one of the best supplies of wind in the British Isles.

A number of possible locations for windmills have been suggested and Trade and Industry Minister David Cretney, the chairman of the Energy Working Group, believes such a project would be well supported (play attached audio file):

Twelve per cent of the Island's electricity needs equates to 20 Megawatts, for which between six and twelve turbines, or windmills, would be needed.

Such turbines vary in height from 50 to 150 metres, and could be placed at one or more locations.

Twelve per cent is the maximum proportion of wind power which could be incorporated within the Manx Electricity Authority's present generation and distribution systems.