Cleantech Trends: Driving the Isle of Man’s Sustainable Future

Our final Sustainable September article is by Ieda Gomes Yell, Business Isle of Man Board Member representing the Cleantech sector. Graduating in Chemical Engineering, followed by a post-graduation in Environmental Engineering and an MSc in Energy, Ieda has worked for a large multinational energy company and was the CEO of the largest gas utility in Brazil. Over the last 13 years she has acted as a non-executive board director at companies in Brazil, United Kingdom, USA, Central America, France, Singapore and the Isle of Man. In this article, Ieda explores the key cleantech trends that could shape the future of sustainability in the Isle of Man.

The cleantech sector is rapidly expanding as the world shifts toward combating climate change and adopting a low-carbon economy. For the Isle of Man, a UNESCO Biosphere nation, this trend offers significant opportunities to align environmental stewardship with sustainable development. Investing in cleantech allows the Island to preserve its natural heritage while promoting economic growth.

One major cleantech trend is the rapid deployment of renewable energy technologies. Solar and wind energy have become more efficient and cost-effective, while tidal energy remains in its early stages. The Isle of Man, with its prime location in the Irish Sea, has substantial potential for offshore wind and tidal energy, making it ideal for harnessing these renewable resources.

The shift toward decentralised energy systems, where communities generate and manage their power, offers the Isle of Man a chance to enhance energy security and reduce its carbon footprint. This approach aligns with the biosphere's principles by providing local solutions to global environmental challenges.

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is another transformative trend. Advances in battery technology and decreasing costs have made EVs more accessible. The Isle of Man, with its compact size and well-developed road network, is well-suited for electric mobility. The growing number of charging stations supports this shift, and further development of EV infrastructure could create economic opportunities while reinforcing the Island’s commitment to sustainability. Embracing electric mobility aligns with the biosphere’s goal of balancing human activity with environmental conservation, demonstrating how modern technology can improve quality of life without compromising ecological integrity.

Sustainable agriculture is also benefiting from cleantech innovations. Vertical farming, precision agriculture, and the use of AI and IoT in farming practices reduce resource use while increasing crop yields. For the Isle of Man, with its strong agricultural heritage, adopting these technologies could enhance food security, minimise the environmental impact of farming, and promote local food production. The Island’s biosphere status emphasises biodiversity preservation, making sustainable farming practices essential for protecting ecosystems. Cleantech innovations in agriculture support these goals, ensuring food production is both sustainable and resilient to climate change.

Energy efficiency and home insulation are particularly promising areas of cleantech for the Isle of Man. With nearly 49% of dwellings rated E-F in energy efficiency and many homes built before 1919, the Isle of Man faces significant challenges in heating efficiency and energy conservation. Cleantech solutions like advanced insulation materials, smart heating systems, and energy-efficient retrofitting can dramatically reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Improving home insulation and energy efficiency aligns with the Isle of Man’s biosphere goals by lowering the carbon footprint of its residential and commercial sectors while enhancing living conditions. These upgrades also create economic opportunities in construction and technology, supporting local jobs and innovation.

The transition to a circular economy, focusing on reducing waste and recycling resources, is another major cleantech trend. For the Isle of Man, embracing a circular economy could significantly reduce waste generation, which is crucial for maintaining the health of its natural landscapes and marine environments. Initiatives like recycling programmes and sustainable packaging solutions are vital to this transition, promoting sustainable resource use and minimising environmental impact while creating economic opportunities in waste management and sustainable product design.

By harnessing renewable energy, embracing electric mobility, advancing sustainable agriculture, improving energy efficiency, and adopting circular economy practices, the Isle of Man can protect its natural environment, address climate change, and set an example for other small jurisdictions worldwide.