Plans for ‘England’s largest onshore wind farm’ take step forward

Scout Moor Wind Farm in the Spring.

Plans to build ‘England’s largest onshore wind farm’ on the edge of Greater Manchester have taken another step forward.

Scout Moor II – a landmark 100 MW onshore wind farm between Rochdale, Rawtenstall and Edenfield – could soon be built next to the existing Scout Moor wind farm.

Cubico Sustainable Investments, which is behind the first major onshore wind development in England in over a decade – is now looking for the opinions of Rochdale Council.

The council will advise on the environmental impacts of the development before full planning permission is sought.

The renewable energy developer believes it could be operational before 2030 and could generate an estimated £200m of investment and hundreds of skilled green jobs.

Subject to planning permission, Scout Moor II could generate enough clean electricity to power over 100,000 homes and meet around 10 per cent of Greater Manchester’s domestic energy needs.

The site was identified as one of the best potential locations for wind energy generation in England, helping to reduce the UK’s reliance on fuel imports, according to Cubico.

David Swindin, chief executive officer at Cubico, said previously: “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.”

Cubico currently operates over 250 MW of wind and solar projects in the UK with a growing development pipeline, supporting the nation’s clean energy transition.

With plans to invest approximately £300 million in new projects across various green technologies in the coming years, Cubico aims to further establish its position as a leading long-term developer, owner, and operator of renewable energy projects in the UK.

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter