Peel plans Scout Moor extension

PEEL Energy has announced that it is planning to expand its Scout Moor Wind Farm on the moors above Rochdale.

The project, which is already one of the biggest onshore wind farms in the country with 26 turbines, is a joint venture with private equity firm Hg Capital.

Peel is planning to install more turbines within the existing wind farm area as well as an extension of the site towards the north and east. A public consultation programme is expected to begin within the next 6-8 weeks, and the firm said that an application to the Infrastructure Planning Commission or its successor could be made within 18 months.

The firm said that onshore wind remains an important part of the UK’s low carbon energy plans and that the existing site has been successful.

Development director Jon England said: “The existing wind farm has consistently generated large amounts of electricity, despite the fact that the UK has experienced a period of lower wind speeds over the last couple of years.”

He added that the proven high wind resource and the existing connections to the national grid meant there was “an opportunity to enhance security of electricity supply in Greater Manchester and the Rossendale Valley”.

“Early studies have shown that there is sufficient land available to more than double the output of the wind farm. Further technical studies are underway to inform discussions with statutory consultees (such as Natural England), interest groups, and local communities.

“These discussions will allow us to better understand the potential issues related to extending the wind farm and prepare firm proposals for the development.”

Mr England said that if the farm were to be extended, Peel Energy would put in place a “substantial” community benefit fund to finance local projects and good causes. The firm said it would also consider offering a stake to a local Co-operative.

He pointed to the fact that more than £110,000 of a £550,000 fund to protect the local habitat had already been allocated since the existing wind farm started in 2008.