Category: thoughts

The Energy Sovereignty Dilemma

Sometimes I notice a “big oil” barrage on social media, often led by figures like Trump, suggesting that all the world’s problems can be solved just by producing more oil. But “oil” is really just a placeholder for energy; that is the real name of the game. It’s about ensuring you have enough when you need it. Currently, the world is facing a deficit, and history shows this won’t be the last time.

The Nuclear and Fusion Reality

Some believe building more nuclear fission reactors is the answer. While possible, the lead times are massive, and the safety concerns, especially as potential targets during conflict are significant.

The real “game-changer” is commercial fusion, which is finally turning the corner. We are seeing a massive shift from lab science to industry:

  • Helion Energy is already constructing a plant in Washington to provide fusion power to Microsoft’s data centers by 2028.
  • Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on track to demonstrate net energy gain with its SPARC reactor by 2027.
  • Even the UK Government just launched a 2026 Fusion Strategy, backing the sector with £2.5 billion to lead this “new energy revolution.”

Once fusion is scaled, the energy crisis as we know it will cease to exist—but it will require us to fully commit to an electric society.

Controlling Our Own Destiny: The Solar Mandate

We often fail to think about the future because we assume a “drill, baby, drill” approach allows us to relax. But imagine how different life would be if every government had one coherent policy: every building being built or having its roof repaired must be converted to solar.

We are finally seeing the first steps toward this:

  • In England, the new “Future Homes Standard” (finalized March 2026) will soon make solar panels and heat pumps the default for nearly all new builds.
  • The Isle of Man is pushing for 30MW of local renewable generation by the end of this year to gain “full control” over its own energy supplies and stop relying on volatile imported fossil fuels.

If we utilized the daytime sun on every rooftop to power our lives, we wouldn’t be at the whim of global energy crises. We would finally control our own destiny.

When the Tide Turns: Peel Sailing Club’s Missed Chance to Support Community Spirit, it appears not all are welcome at the club

“The dirty boat building competition” — I took it on; it has been a successful competition for many years. In its first year, I organized it, promoted it, and made it happen. A playful, hands-on event where kids, families, and curious locals could build scrappy boats from cheap materials and race them in the bay. It was messy, joyful, and inclusive—a celebration of creativity and maritime heritage.

Peel Sailing & Cruising Club initially offered to support the event by providing insurance as they have done in the past and suggested I apply for membership. I did. What followed was a series of evasive, bureaucratic replies that culminated in a flat refusal—without explanation, without dialogue, and without any apparent interest in the community benefit.

“Your application was declined… all the correct procedures were followed.” — Roger Cave, Commodore, P.S.&C.C.

That was the extent of their reasoning. No feedback. No invitation to collaborate. Just a closed door.

When I requested access to the club’s constitution and a proper explanation, I was told to visit a physical archive in Douglas. For a club that claims to represent Peel’s maritime spirit, this lack of transparency is not just disappointing—it’s anti-community.

“We feel that the matter is now closed and believe that no benefit can be obtained from continuing any further correspondence.” — Roger Cave

No benefit? To whom?

This event brought new energy to Peel. It inspired young people to engage with sailing, sparked curiosity, and created a moment of shared joy in a town that deserves it. The club could have been part of that. Instead, they chose silence and exclusion.

And yet, outside the club’s building, a sign reads:

“ALL ARE WELCOME TO PEEL SAILING CLUB”

The irony is hard to miss. The sign, faded and flanked by garbage bins, feels like a metaphor for the club’s current posture—welcoming in words, but not in action.

I’ve since referred the matter to the Information Commissioner, citing their refusal to comply with a Subject Access Request under GDPR. I’ve also raised concerns under the Equality Act 2010, given the arbitrary nature of the refusal and the club’s unwillingness to provide a substantive justification.

But this post isn’t just about legal rights. It’s about values.

Peel deserves institutions that reflect its spirit—open, curious, and generous. Clubs like P.S.&C.C. should be stewards of tradition, yes, but also champions of innovation and inclusion. When they turn their backs on grassroots efforts, they don’t just reject an idea—they reject the people behind it.

Postscript

There has been some debate on- and offline about this situation. I’ve made a list below to clarify a few points.

It’s about a series of things that simply don’t make sense. And when things don’t make sense, we can either walk away—or we can hold people to account. There’s far too much of the former happening.

So, in a nutshell, here’s what this is about:

  • The event raised money for the RNLI.
  • It encouraged people to build boats and race them.
  • If something doesn’t make sense, shouldn’t we be able to ask why?
  • If you don’t want members, then why display a sign outside saying “All Are Welcome”?
  • Why tell me to join, and then have two of your members propose and second me?
  • When I asked for the meeting minutes, why was I told they’d been destroyed?
  • If I’m too ugly for the club, I can live with that. But why act so cowardly?
  • The email below, along with a statement made to the Information Commissioner, confirms that all data containing my name has been destroyed. This may need to be clarified further. Of course, I am happy to do it.

I’m trying to be a friend—in fact, that’s the desired outcome. But friendship requires being treated properly.

Minutes destroyed – SARDownload

No Easy Options for WCAS

Let me know your thoughts WCAS currently operates with a substantial deficit in funding and requires large scales investment in equipment and the site as a whole.

https://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/bride-commissioners-contribution-to-northern-civic-amenity-site-revealed

Northern Troubles: Lessons for the West?
The Northern Civic Amenity Site (NCAS) on the Isle of Man has recently faced significant challenges that offer valuable insights for the Western Civic Amenity Site (WCAS). Understanding these difficulties and their resolution could help WCAS proactively address potential future issues.
The Northern Site’s Predicament:
For some time, NCAS was embroiled in a dispute primarily concerning its funding model. Bride Parish Commissioners withdrew their financial support, citing unfair contributions based on the rateable value of properties in their parish. This created a substantial funding gap, leading to the alarming announcement that the site would close at the end of March 2025. The potential closure sparked fears of increased fly-tipping in the northern parishes and highlighted the crucial role the amenity site plays in the community’s waste management infrastructure.
A Solution Found:
Fortunately, a resolution was reached. The Department of Infrastructure (DoI) stepped in to take over the management of NCAS for at least the next year. They will contract Ramsey Town Commissioners to operate the site on their behalf. Crucially, negotiations led to the continued financial cooperation of all the northern local authorities. While the exact details of the revised funding contributions are still emerging, it’s clear that a compromise was necessary to ensure the site’s survival. Bride Commissioners’ contribution for the current financial year has been reported as £11,900, a significant decrease from previous demands.
Potential Implications for the Western Amenity Site:
The difficulties experienced by NCAS, although seemingly resolved, underscore several potential challenges that could also affect the WCAS:

  • Funding Model Vulnerabilities: The dispute in the north highlighted how disagreements over funding contributions between participating local authorities can jeopardize the operation of amenity sites. WCAS, which is funded by the local authorities within the parishes of Marown, Patrick, German, Michael, and Peel, should proactively ensure a transparent and equitable funding model that all stakeholders agree upon. Regular reviews of the funding mechanism could prevent future conflicts.
  • Reliance on Inter-Authority Cooperation: The resolution in the north depended on the willingness of different local authorities to cooperate and find a mutually acceptable solution. WCAS similarly relies on the collaboration of multiple parishes. Maintaining open communication and strong working relationships between these authorities is essential for the smooth operation and long-term sustainability of the site.
  • Unexpected Financial Burdens: The recent increase in disposal costs for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) imposed by the DoI has directly impacted WCAS, leading to new charges for residents. Such unforeseen changes in national regulations or departmental policies can create financial strain on amenity sites and potentially lead to difficult decisions about service provision or fees. WCAS should maintain a contingency fund and explore strategies to mitigate the impact of such external cost increases.
  • Operational Disruptions: The temporary closure of WCAS in September 2024 due to a “serious malfunction” with a compacting machine illustrates the vulnerability of these sites to equipment failures. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial to avoid service disruptions that inconvenience residents. Investing in reliable equipment and having contingency plans for breakdowns are important considerations.
  • Protecting Catchment Area Integrity: The introduction of random ID checks at WCAS in July 2024 due to “issues at other sites” suggests concerns about misuse by individuals outside the designated catchment area. This highlights the need for clear guidelines and potentially monitoring systems to ensure that the facility primarily serves the residents who contribute to its funding.
    Moving Forward:
    The situation at the Northern Civic Amenity Site serves as a valuable case study. While a solution has been found in the short term, it emphasizes the importance of robust funding agreements, strong inter-authority relationships, and proactive planning to address potential operational and financial challenges. The Western Civic Amenity Site can learn from these experiences to strengthen its own resilience and ensure its continued service to the community. By fostering open dialogue with its partner authorities and anticipating potential difficulties, WCAS can strive for long-term stability and avoid similar crises.