Latest news with #Cubico
BBC News
16-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Scout Moor wind farm plans attacked as 'environmental vandalism'
Campaigners fighting plans to build what could become England's largest onshore wind farm have described the proposals as "environmental vandalism".Scout Moor Two, which would be built on Rooley Moor above Rochdale in Greater Manchester, would generate enough electricity to power 100,000 homes each energy firm Cubico wants to build up to 18 turbines, each of which would be 590ft (180m) in height - significantly taller than Blackpool Tower, which stands at 519ft (158m).Cubico spokesman Peter Rowe said: "The turbines are widely used across Europe and it's much more efficient for them to be taller." The company expects to submit its plans to Rochdale Council and Rossendale Council in neighbouring Lancashire in the next few about £140m, Scout Moor Two would be built next to the Cotton Famine Road, which was built by local mill workers who opposed slavery during the American Civil War in the which would sell electricity generated by Scout Moor Two to the National Grid at a fixed price, is hoping for planning approval to be granted in the summer of original Scout Moor wind farm was built in 2008, seven years before an effective ban on onshore wind farms was implemented by the Conservative restrictions have been lifted as part of Labour's ambitions for less than 5% of the UK's electricity to come from fossil fuels by Rowe said: "It is a challenging target in terms of the scale of its ambition but it needs projects like Scout Moor to make it happen."In 2024, renewable energy sources generated 56% of Great Britain's electricity. Stuart Davies, from the Rooley Moor Neighbourhood Forum, said he was horrified by the plans."I used to walk these moors with my dad and used to go catching rabbits," said the 66-year-old. "The natural wilderness has been part of my life."To have those massive industrial turbines on these moors is just environmental vandalism. It's just going to ruin the place forever." The turbines' construction would involve creating access roads across the member of the Rooley Moor Neighbourhood Forum, Steve Davison, said such tracks had become a magnet for off-road bikers at other wind 63-year-old said: "There would be miles of extra tracks on the moors and the off-road biking went crazy when the original Scout Moor wind farm was built."Cubico said it would "work with the community and the police to address illegal off-road biking. We can also use signage and fencing". Fran Healey said she regularly goes jogging on the Cotton Famine Road. "I live at the bottom of the hill and regularly run up to the top," said the 49-year-old. "You can hear the skylarks singing and the curlews. It's just an open, peaceful, calm space."The thought of wind turbines here is quite upsetting. It'll change the landscape forever."Cubico has pledged to help conserve the landscape.A spokesperson said: "There's been a lot of damage to that peatland, so what we want to do is restore the flora and fauna with a significant moorland restoration scheme." Construction of the turbines would take at least three years, with Cubico saying it could begin to generate renewable energy by the largest onshore wind farm in England is at Keadby in Lincolnshire, where there are 34 UK's largest wind farm, at Whitelee, near Glasgow, has 215.
BBC News
26-06-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Moorland weather test mast plan for Scout Moor II approved
Plans for a temporary weather-monitoring mast on moorland to measure wind conditions for the potential new Scout Moor II wind turbine development have been approved. Cubico Sustainable Investments has been given approval with conditions to erect a 91m (300ft) high meteorological mast with equipment on land west of Rooley Moor Road, bordering Rossendale and application was deferred last month to allow for public feedback on a separate, but linked, application for signs around the Rooley Moor site. No feedback was received on the signs, but objections regarding the mast, included damage to moorland peat and harm to nesting birds or sheep during lambing. 'Net zero targets' At the council planning meeting, objector Alan Rawsterne of Rooley Moor Neighbourhood Forum said his group opposed the whole Scout Moor II wind farm project. He said: "This weather mast would destroy peat-land that has taken 600 years to form. "The damage could not be undone. That alone should warrant refusal."But Mark Worcester, the planning agent representing Cubico said the mast would "represent a significant contribution to national net zero targets, greener energy and secure energy supplies". He said the data it would collect "is needed by banks, regarding finance and for wind turbine manufacturers"."This development would be wholly appropriate, in keeping with planning policies and sensitive to the area," he said, adding that there would also be a peat restoration a vote, the majority of councillors approved the plan, which had been recommended for approval, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Objectors raise concerns over Scout Moor II weather mast plan
A planning application to put up a temporary weather-monitoring mast and equipment on Scout Moor – linked to a potential new wind farm – will be considered by councillors next week. Applicant Peter Rowe, of Cubico UK Development (Wind 1) Limited, is seeking permission for a temporary meteorological mast on land west of Rooley Moor Road, near Scout Moor in Rossendale. Cubico hopes to build the Scout Moor II wind turbine development in the area but first needs detailed weather information. Other elements of the mast plan include solar energy modules to power batteries for monitoring equipment, animal-proof fencing and security fencing. However, objectors have raised concerns about the mast application. Worries include potential damage to peat moors, wildlife and historic roads, and the visual impact. The area is used for outdoor activities such as walking, mountain biking and horse riding, with the Pennine Bridleway and Rossendale Way nearby. According to a report for councillors on Rossendale's development control committee, the site has been chosen because of its elevated position, which increases the accuracy of weather monitoring because of higher wind speeds. It is in open countryside but not common land or green belt. The report says factors to consider include sustainable development, building a strong economy; meeting the challenge of climate change, and conserving and enhancing both natural and historic environments. The proposed weather mast, known as a 'met mast', is needed to help Cubico gain a better understanding of wind patterns and to assist with the design, funding, construction and long-term operation of the Scout Moor II wind farm. Two years of wind data are needed before construction can begin. If planning permission is granted for a Scout Moor II wind farm, bosses say it can be delivered by 2030. Planning agent Thomas Lord, of Manchester-based Turley, is also involved. Various authorities have been consulted about the met mast including Greater Manchester Ecology Unit, which provides advice for councils. It has no objections, but says that markers should be fitted on mast lines, to protect flying birds. If mast construction starts within the bird nesting season, between March to August, an ecological 'walk-over' of the site and buffer area should be done before work starts by an experienced ornithologist to check for any signs of nesting birds. To protect peat and associated wildlife, good-practice construction measures should be imposed, the unit adds. But objections have been raised by Rooley Moor Neighbourhood Forum, the Norden, Bamford & Heywood Bridleway Association; Rossendale Civic Trust and ten members of the public, according to the planning report. The forum has worries about access routes, the potential impact on Catley Lane Head conservation area, the Cotton Famine Road and the national bridleway and wants alternatives to be considered. It has also asked if Cubico has the required permission to use vehicles on the moor. Forum trustees consider it to be 'totally unacceptable' to access a proposed loading area through Catley Lane Head and suggest Rochdale Council's conservation officer should be consulted. Rossendale Civic Trust has concerns too, including damage risks to Rooley Moor, Rooley Moor Road and stone sett sections. It urges Rossendale Council not to open-up or encourage 'damaging access to this sensitive site' and to give recognition to 'the possible, or probable, consequences of not giving due respect to the environment'. Other concerns include the visual impact of the mast, if approved. It would damage views from important viewpoints, such as Waugh's Well, Catley Lane Head, the Prickshaw conservation area and the Cotton Famine Road, objectors believe. READ MORE: Farmers urge walkers to keep dogs on leads after savage and fatal attacks on lambs When will the Red Arrows fly over Lancashire next? See exact dates Neighbouring Rochdale Council highways officers have been consulted, the report adds. Whilst initially objecting about the use of Rooley Moor Road, following changes to a construction method statement, officers are now satisfied, subject to a survey of Rooley Moor Road to ensure remedial works are undertaken if needed. Rossendale Council planning officers say the mast plan should be approved. The report adds: 'In light of the potential benefits to renewable energy generation facilitated by this development, and because the met mast is not likely to result in any long-term harm to the amenities of occupiers of any buildings, the landscape as viewed from the site or its surroundings, ecology, heritage assets, the safety of users of public rights of way, or aviation, it is considered the proposals are acceptable.' The report concludes that, subject to appropriate conditions, the mast plan is acceptable and in accordance with the Rossendale Local Plan and national planning guidance. Rossendale Council's development committee meets on Tuesday, May 13.
BBC News
12-05-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Scout Moor weather test mast plan decision looms
A bid to put up a temporary weather-monitoring mast and equipment on moorland will be considered by councillors next Peter Rowe, of Cubico UK Development (Wind 1) Limited, based at Media City, Salford, is seeking permission for a temporary meteorological mast on land on Scout Moor, west of Rooley Moor Road, near Rossendale. Cubico hopes to build the Scout Moor II wind turbine development in the area but first needs detailed weather Council's development committee will decide on the application on Tuesday. The Local Democracy Reporting Service writes that other elements of the mast plan include solar energy modules to power batteries for monitoring equipment, animal-proof fencing and security include concerns about potential damage to peat moors, wildlife and historic roads, and the visual impact. 'Potential benefits' The area is used for outdoor activities such as walking, mountain biking and horse riding, with the Pennine Bridleway and Rossendale Way to a report for councillors on Rossendale's development control committee, the site has been chosen because of its elevated position, which increases the accuracy of weather monitoring because of higher wind speeds. It is in open countryside, but not common land or green Council planning officers have recommended approval subject to appropriate report said: "In light of the potential benefits to renewable energy generation facilitated by this development, and because the met mast is not likely to result in any long-term harm to the amenities of occupiers of any buildings, the landscape as viewed from the site or its surroundings, ecology, heritage assets, the safety of users of public rights of way, or aviation, it is considered the proposals are acceptable." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Exclusive-Enel, KKR among potential bidders for UK's Cubico, sources say
By Andres Gonzalez and Isla Binnie LONDON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Italy's Enel and private equity group KKR are among potential bidders for Britain-based Cubico Sustainable Investments, people with knowledge of the process said. Two of Canada's biggest pension funds - the Montreal-based Public Sector Pension (PSP) Investment Board and the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (OTPP) - have been considering a sale of the renewable energy firm, which could be valued at about $6 billion or more, including debt, sources previously told Reuters. Non-binding offers were due last week, three people with knowledge of the process said. Bank of America and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce were hired to run the sale in recent months, one of the people and a fourth one said. The fourth person said that the process had drawn interest from other funds as well. The four people were speaking on condition of anonymity because the process is private. KKR, Bank of America, Cubico, PSP, OTPP and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce declined to comment. An Enel spokesperson declined to comment on "market rumours". Infrastructure investors and corporate utilities have been drawn to renewable power developers and other service providers focused on the energy transition in recent years. However, some of the excitement has waned, especially in the United States, as soaring electricity demand for artificial intelligence and Donald Trump's return to office have revived demand for fossil fuels, including gas as a power source. The company was formed in 2015 when the two funds partnered with Banco Santander SA to form Cubico and later became equal owners after buying out the Spanish bank's stake in 2016. Cubico is an operator of wind and solar farms across Europe, North and South America and Australia, as well as concentrated solar power and transmission line technology operations with a capacity of 2.8 gigawatts (GW). Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was $625 million in 2023 with $783 million in revenue, according to its accounts. Sign in to access your portfolio
