Thursday 7th November 2024 – Cubico Sustainable Investments (Cubico) has today launched the second phase of consultation for Frodsham Solar, a proposed solar farm capable of generating approximately 130MW of electricity with an energy storage system, located north of Frodsham in Cheshire. The consultation will run for six weeks until Thursday 19th December 2024.
Through the generation of renewable electricity, and the creation of hundreds of jobs during construction, Frodsham Solar will provide a boost to the existing low-carbon industry in the area, aligning with Net Zero North West’s vision for the region to become the world’s first zero-carbon industrial cluster by 2040. It also supports Cheshire West and Chester’s ambitions to become net zero by 2045.
Subject to receiving consent, Frodsham Solar could be operational by 2029, generating enough clean electricity through ground-mounted solar panels to power over 40,000 homes annually. The proposals include a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility to store and supply electricity when its needed most.
Sharing part of the existing Frodsham Wind Farm and located near to Protos, an important energy and resource hub, the proposals for the site will include the building of infrastructure needed to supply the electricity into the regional distribution network via the existing Frodsham substation. The plans also include a “private-wire connection”, enabling power generated by the solar farm to be supplied directly to local industry, and meeting local high demand for power with locally generated clean energy.
The project includes a range of plans to enhance the landscape, support biodiversity, and improve existing public rights of way with 4.5 km of new permissive paths set to be added across the site. Cubico is also committed to providing a Community Fund, providing over £2 million pounds across the life of the project. The fund will support impactful local initiatives that will make a difference to communities and their environment. For example, the community may choose to spend their funding on tackling fuel poverty in the local area, or by funding training and employment initiatives for local people.
After holding a first phase of consultation in June and July 2023, Cubico is holding a second and statutory phase of consultation on its revised plans for six weeks, from today until Thursday 19th December 2024. Frodsham Solar’s website, www.frodshamsolar.co.uk, has more details on the project, including a downloadable consultation leaflet and details on how the community can get involved.
Mark Flaherty, Development Manager for Frodsham Solar, said:
“Our plans for Frodsham Solar present an exciting opportunity to strengthen the region’s vibrant low-carbon industry while supporting the UK’s ambitions to produce homegrown clean energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports, and ultimately reduce energy prices for consumers.
“We’re looking forward to launching the second phase of consultation and continuing to build on the positive relationships formed with local communities so far. We encourage everyone who’s interested to get involved – come along to one of our events or share your thoughts by filling out our feedback form.
“Your feedback is really valuable to us, and we’ll take it on board as we continue to refine our plans ahead of submitting an application for consent, planned for Spring next year.”
There are many ways to take part in the consultation. Cubico will be hosting five in-person information events and one online community webinar, where attendees can speak directly to members of the project team. Printed copies of consultation materials will also be available at several locations in the local area, as listed on the project website.
The details of the events are:
Anyone interested in the project is invited to provide their feedback in a number of ways, including filling out the online feedback form found on the project website, completing a feedback form at one of the information events, or by writing to the project’s email (info@frodshamsolar.co.uk) or freepost address (FREEPOST FRODSHAM CONSULTATION).
The deadline for receiving feedback is Thursday 19th December 2024.
More information about the proposals can be found on the project website, www.frodshamsolar.co.uk, and if anybody would like to ask questions about the project can do so by emailing info@frodshamsolar.co.uk, calling the freephone information line on 0808 175 4004, or by writing free of charge to FREEPOST FRODSHAM CONSULTATION.
