Latest news with #Cubico
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
Reuters
27-01-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Exclusive: Enel, KKR among potential bidders for UK's Cubico, sources say
Summary Companies Cubico may be worth $6 billion or more, with debt, sources say Non-binding offers were due last week, sources say BofA, CIBC hired to run sale in recent months, sources say Other funds also interested, source says LONDON/NEW YORK, Jan 27 (Reuters) - Italy's Enel ( opens new tab and private equity group KKR (KKR.N), opens new tab 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 (BAC.N), opens new tab and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce ( opens new tab 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 ( opens new tab 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. here.
