The renewables industry has lost one of its leading figures following the death of Colin Palmer on 9th November 2025.
Colin, who founded Wight Community Energy, died after receiving a diagnosis of a brain tumour earlier this year.
Pioneer of wind energy
Colleagues remember Colin as “one of the forefathers of the wind development industry” and regard him as a true pioneer in the sector.
The Island owes much to his work and dedication to renewable energy.
Colin founded Windcluster in 1990, which led to the UK’s second operational wind farm at Haverigg in Cumbria in 1992.
His former colleague Euan Cameron shared memories of their work together.
He said,
“Colin was a true pioneer of renewables in the UK, founding Windcluster back in 1990, leading to the UK’s second operational wind farm at Haverigg in Cumbria in 1992.
“Together we went on to found Wind Prospect in 1995 and to develop and build out, with various partner organisations, projects throughout the UK, Ireland and Australia. But he also had a wide range of interests and when he was not indulging his passion for sailing, he later even completed a PhD in palaeontology.”
“He will be much missed by many.”
Community energy leader
Nora Clinton from Together for Mission Zero paid tribute to Colin’s work on the Isle of Wight. She said,
“Colin was such a Pioneer in the community energy space, we are incredibly lucky to have had him working on this on the Island through Wight Community Energy. We will miss him greatly.”
Vix Lowthion also expressed her sadness at the loss,
“What a great loss to us, and a much bigger one to his family. I always found Colin to be the smartest and nicest man in the room. Very sad to lose him.”
Celebration planned
Those who knew Colin will gather to celebrate his life on 29th March 2026, his birthday. The event will take place on the Isle of Wight, with further details to follow.
Those who knew Colin can add their memories and photos (and donations to Mountbatten) to his page on the Much Loved website.
The thoughts of many across the Island go to Colin’s wife Pam, his family, friends and colleagues.
Read Colin’s contribution through OnTheWight to the electric vehicle infrastructure debate.
