England’s Largest Onshore Wind Farm to Move Forward

Plans for England’s largest onshore wind farm will be submitted this week, in the first progress since the country’s Labour government removed the de facto ban Conservatives put in place nine years ago, reported The Guardian.

Independent renewable energy developer Cubico Sustainable Investments has submitted plans to build 21 wind turbines beside the Scout Moor wind farm to the north of Manchester.

“Our proposal for Scout Moor II reflects our strong confidence in the UK renewables sector and Britain’s potential to become a global clean energy powerhouse. We’re encouraged by the Government’s vision to accelerate the build out of renewable energy infrastructure across the country, and we are committed to delivering projects that decarbonise our power system, enhance energy security, and benefit local communities,” said CEO of Cubico David Swindin, in a press release from the company.

The 100-megawatt wind farm could be up and running by 2030, generating enough clean power for more than 100,000 homes and providing roughly 10 percent of the domestic energy needs for Greater Manchester.

Scout Moor II would bring an estimated $260.7 million in investment, as well as hundreds of jobs over the project’s lifetime.

The proposed wind farm would help the British government meet its goal of doubling its onshore wind capacity by 2030. The government also has a target of tripling solar capacity and quadrupling offshore wind capacity on its journey to creating a net zero electricity grid, The Guardian reported.

Plans to develop the Scout Moor site were postponed nearly a decade ago following backlash against England’s onshore wind farms, which prompted the government to instigate planning rules that effectively prevented new developments.

Swindin said plans had been in the works for new projects “for about four years in anticipation of the rules changing,” reported The Guardian.

“It was obvious that there was going to be pressure to change the rules, even for the Conservatives. And for some time it seemed likely that Labour would come to power. So we have been eagerly waiting for the moment that we can press the button,” Swindin added.

Project development manager Peter Rowe said the site’s close proximity to Greater Manchester and high wind speeds make it “one of the most ideal locations for a windfarm.”

Along with the new wind development, Cubico is proposing a Moorland Restoration and Management Plan, along with a Community Wealth Fund, to promote biodiversity and support local initiatives across the region, the press release said.

“Clearly we will be going into a public consultation [with the local community] very sensitively. The site itself has been used in the past for mining and quarrying, and the area has been at the heart of Britain’s industrial story. So what we’re putting forward is a modern reinterpretation of how the moors and uplands have been used historically,” Rowe said, as The Guardian reported.

If approved, Scout Moor II would be the fifth largest producer of onshore wind power in the United Kingdom. The rest are located in Scotland.

“We’re excited about the opportunity for Scout Moor II to play a key role in helping the UK achieve its net zero ambitions and enhance the North West’s position as a national hub for clean energy generation. As we progress, we’re looking forward to engaging with local communities and ensuring their participation helps shape a project that leaves positive social, economic and environmental benefits for all,” said James Pinney, Cubico’s head of Northern Europe, in the press release.