Green, who founded the not-for-profit company of local environmentalists, has a long history of working in charities and as an entrepreneur.

The Ecoisland project, unveiled last November, aims to see the Isle of Wight become energy independent by 2020 from a combination of solar, small wind, geothermal, tidal and waste-to-energy.

Designed to decarbonise the island’s power footprint, increase energy security, reduce utility bills and fund community initiatives, the scheme will also be at the heart of a wider vision that encompasses renewables generation, a smart grid, energy storage, alternative fuels and home energy management.

Green