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Peel Energy has announced that it is exploring the possibility of expanding Scout Moor Wind Farm. Detailed studies are underway to consider the potential to install more wind turbines within the existing wind farm area and in locations to the north and east of the existing turbines. A programme of public consultation will begin towards the end of the year.
The need for more onshore wind
Onshore wind continues to be recognised as an important part of the UK’s low carbon energy future and is supported by national and local policies and plans. The recent UK Renewable Energy Roadmap, published alongside the Electricity Market Reform White Paper, recognises it as the most affordable large scale source of renewable energy, and the continued development of good sites is essential to minimise the costs of reducing carbon emissions and meeting future energy demand.
Success of the existing Scout Moor Wind Farm
The performance of the existing wind farm has confirmed the value of the site for electricity generation. Peel Energy’s 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. The public open days and school visits have also been very popular and have helped dispel the myths associated with wind power.”
The Habitat Enhancement Plan fund that was set up when the wind farm came into operation in 2008 has also already committed over £110,000 of its £500,000 budget over the life of the wind farm. This money from the wind farm has contributed to a number of successful projects to restore degraded moorland in the surrounding area.
The opportunity for expansion
Mr England continued: “There are a number of reasons why we are considering an expansion of Scout Moor Wind Farm: there is a proven high wind resource - there is existing access and grid connection; there is an opportunity to enhance security of electricity supply in Greater Manchester and the Rossendale Valley; and there are significant benefits for the area.
“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.”
If a wind farm extension were to take place, a substantial community benefit fund would be set up that could be accessed by the community to finance local projects and good causes. A co-operative ownership scheme is also being considered that would offer members of the local community the opportunity to gain a stake and a return on investment in the wind farm.
The government is also currently consulting on proposals to retain the rates (rateable taxes) from renewable energy schemes within the budgets of the local councils where they reside.
An expansion to the wind farm also offers opportunities to improve areas of heavily degraded peat moor as well as protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat areas and water quality sources on Scout Moor through new funding schemes similar to the existing Habitat Enhancement Plan fund.
The development process
Mr England said: “We will undertake extensive consultation with local communities starting later this year. We're aiming to start the formal process in the next six to eight weeks with the preparation of the environmental scoping report and consultation with the local councils on our approach to community engagement. In the meantime we have been holding some initial briefing meetings with council officials and councillors to inform them of our intentions.”
The application for development consent will ultimately be submitted to the Infrastructure Planning Commission, or its successor, the Major Infrastructure Planning Unit, for determination. The application could be ready for submission within 18 months.
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