Cubico pushes Rossendale BESS plans forward

Having consulted in November, the energy firm has lodged plans for a battery energy storage system on land at Rochdale Road and Bamford Road, close to the Scout Moor windfarm.

Cubico Sustainable Investments, which is also advancing onshore wind plans nearby in the form of Scout Moor II, said the proposed 85MW battery will play an important role in supporting the UK’s energy transition by making the most of energy generated by the existing Scout Moor I wind farm.

The project team includes Turley as planner. TEP advising on landscape and visual impact and ecology,, TNEI on noise, and Hydrock providing multidisciplinary services.

As with other BESS facilities, the driving principle is that by storing surplus energy when demand is low and discharging it when needed, the project will improve energy security, lower costs and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.

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The new battery would connect to the existing Croston Close Road substation, using the infrastructure already in place for the existing Scout Moor I.

This means there will be no need for new overhead lines or substations.

Cubico said there would be minimal visual impact and a biodiversity net gain of approximately 28% through new planting, and ecological enhancements.

Joe Chambers, senior development manager at Cubico, said: “Battery storage is a vital part of the UK’s transition to clean energy, and this project will play a key role in that journey here in Rossendale and Rochdale. By storing electricity and releasing it when demand is higher, it will help balance the grid, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and ensure a stable, secure energy supply.”

“At the same time, we’re committed to enhancing the environment around the project with significant biodiversity improvements that will leave a lasting and positive impact on the area”.

The application can be found on Rossendale Council’s website under reference 2024/0501.