Cubico Sustainable Investments is excited to present Frodsham Solar, a solar farm with energy storage situated north of Frodsham in Cheshire.

Proposals for Frodsham Solar were introduced in 2023, which involved undertaking a first phase of community consultation over the summer. We would like to thank everyone who took part and engaged with us at this stage.

Our team is now developing the proposals, which includes considering all of the feedback we have received and carrying out further assessments of the site area and potential design.

We look forward to sharing more details on Frodsham Solar. We are committed to undertaking further consultation prior to submitting an application to the Planning Inspectorate.

In the meantime, our communications lines remain open. Please get in touch with any questions or comments you may have at this stage.    

You can view more information about our proposals in our Community Consultation Leaflet here.

Have your say
The first phase of consultation is now open and will run from Thursday 1st June for six weeks until Thursday 13th July 2023

You can engage with our proposals in a number of ways, including contacting our team via our communication channels, by providing your feedback via our feedback form, or attending one of our community information events.

The deadline to provide feedback on our early-stage proposals is Thursday 13th July 2023.

You can provide your feedback by completing our online feedback form:

You can download a copy of our feedback form by clicking here.

You can also provide written feedback in the following ways:

  • By filling in a feedback form at one of our in-person community information events (see Community Information Section below for location and time).
  • By posting a feedback form or writing to us free of charge via our freepost address: FREEPOST FS PCR CONSULTATION. You do not need a stamp.
  • By emailing us at info@frodshamsolar.co.uk

 

Further information on our proposals can be seen as you scroll through our website.

We are holding five in-person information events and one online community webinar to provide you with an opportunity for you to view our early-stage proposals and discuss them in person with members of the project team.

We encourage anyone with an interest in our proposals to come along. You are welcome to drop-in any time during the opening hours.

Community Information Events
  • Helsby Community Centre Saturday 17th June 12pm – 4pm

    Lower Robin Hood Lane, Frodsham, WA6 0BW

  • Christchurch Hall Tuesday 20th June 3pm – 7pm

    Weston Point, Sandy Lane, Weston Point, Runcorn, WA7 4EU

  • Christchurch Hall Tuesday 20th June 3pm – 7pm

    Weston Point, Sandy Lane, Weston Point, Runcorn, WA7 4EU

  • Frodsham Community Centre Wednesday 21st June 2pm – 7pm

    Fluin Ln, Frodsham, WA6 7QN

  • Elton Community Centre Thursday 22nd June 11am – 4pm

    School Lane, Elton, Chester, CH2 4PU

  • Frodsham Community Centre Friday 23rd June 2.30pm – 7pm

    Fluin Lane, Frodsham, WA6 7QN

  • Online Community Webinar Monday 26th June 5.30pm – 7pm

    Zoom – Click here to view the community webinar.

You will also be able to view and pick up hard copies of our Phase One consultation and other project materials at one of our Community Access Points below.
Community Access Points
  • Frodsham Library Mon – Fri: 9am – 6pm | Sat: 9:30am – 1pm

    Princeway, Frodsham, WA6 6RX

  • Helsby Library Mon and Fri: 9.30am – 5pm | Tues and Weds: 9.30am – 7pm | Saturday: 9.30am – 1pm

    Lower Robin Hood Lane, Helsby, WA6 0BW

  • Ellesmere Port Library Mon, Thurs and Fri: 9am – 7pm | Tues and Weds: 9am – 5pm | Sat: 9am – 1pm

    Civic Way, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BG

About Us

In January 2024, Cubico Sustainable Investments (Cubico) acquired Peel NRE’s 50% stake in Peel Cubico Renewables Ltd. This includes the joint venture’s solar development pipeline, meaning that Frodsham Solar is now a Cubico project and Frodsham Solar Limited is wholly owned by Cubico.

The acquisition also includes the transfer of the North-West based Peel NRE renewables development team into the Cubico business, ensuring that those that know and have the experience of developing renewable energy in this area remain on the project.

It represents a significant step in Cubico’s aspiration to establish itself as a prominent developer, owner, and operator of renewable energy assets within the country, aligning with the UK’s pursuit of its own ambitious net zero targets.

Cubico sustainable investments logo

Cubico Sustainable Investments is one of the world’s largest privately-owned renewable energy companies. Cubico has an installed capacity of nearly 3 gigawatts (GW) across 12 countries in Europe, the Americas and Australia, with a further 3 GW in construction and development.

What is Frodsham Solar?
Frodsham Solar is a solar farm which will generate renewable energy using ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, with on-site energy storage to store and supply electricity for when it is most needed. The site is north of Frodsham in Cheshire.

Frodsham Solar would generate a significant amount of clean electricity to be supplied to businesses and homes in the region. The current proposals have an indicative capacity of around 150 megawatt (MW), although we acknowledge this may change as the design of Frodsham Solar develops.

The intention is for electricity generated by Frodsham Solar to be supplied through a combination of SP Energy Networks – the network operator responsible for distributing electricity across Merseyside and Cheshire – and through direct private connections to local businesses and industrial clusters neighbouring the project.

We already have a connection agreement with SP Energy Networks to supply up to 100 MW to Frodsham Substation (for context, 100 MW is equivalent to being enough power for approximately 34,000 homes), and they are actively exploring further private connection agreements through discussions with local businesses. The proposals also include energy storage to help ensure the electricity is reliable and distributed when it is needed.

Frodsham Solar Site Location Map
Frodsham Solar Location Map
Frodsham Solar Concept Plan
Frodsham Solar Concept Plan
Frodsham Solar could:
Renewable electricity

Export up to 100 MW of renewable electricity to SP Energy Networks, who are responsible for distributing electricity across Cheshire and Merseyside.

Clean, reliable, home-grown electricity

Generate clean, reliable, home-grown electricity for approximately 34,000 homes.

Directly supply local industry

Directly supply local industry through new individual connections.

Public access and recreation

Provide opportunities for public access and recreation, such as through maintaining public rights of way and exploring opportunities to create new footpaths to increase local access and recreation.

Solar energy generation can go hand in hand with boosting biodiversity locally such as through establishing wildflower areas, enhancing wetland habitats or by restoring hedgerows and native species.

solar battery charge icon

Bolster UK energy security with the use of a battery energy storage system (BESS) to store electricity and discharge when it is needed.

Tailored package of benefits

Design and deliver a tailored package of benefits for the local community.

Why Frodsham Solar?

Why solar?

Solar at a glance

Solar energy is affordable, reliable, renewable and clean. There are a number of reasons why solar can benefit not only the planet in terms of climate change, but also the country in terms of reducing the cost of electricity and boosting our energy security.

It is a key source of energy

The UK Government has identified solar as a key source of energy as the country transitions away from fossil fuels towards a decarbonised electricity system by a target date of 2035. A five-fold increase in solar across the country is required to help achieve this target, ultimately to meet Net Zero targets by 2050.

It is affordable

Solar allows the UK to deliver affordable power. It is considerably cheaper than more commonly used energy types such as coal, oil and gas, meaning that the more solar energy within our energy system, the more affordable our energy system can be.

It can be built quickly

Solar can be deployed quickly and flexibly across the UK. This means that not only can it be utilised to help tackle the climate crisis at the fast-pace that is needed, it can also bolster the country’s energy security by increasing the amount of homegrown energy that we have, reducing the impact of events such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Why Frodsham?

Energy Innovation District

The site sits centrally within the Energy Innovation District, enabling Frodsham Solar to produce power in an area that currently consumes around 5% of the UK’s energy.

Supports national targets

It supports the United Kingdom’s legally binding target to reach net-zero by 2050.

Supports regional targets

Frodsham Solar will support both the Net Zero North West Industrial Cluster and Invest Net Zero Cheshire through meeting targets, and allow for direct power to local businesses.

Highlights local innovation

The project showcases the level of innovation locally, as seen within the Cheshire Science Corridor Enterprise Zone.
What is Frodsham Solar?
Frodsham Solar is a solar farm which will generate renewable energy using ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, with on-site energy storage to store and supply electricity for when it is most needed. The site is north of Frodsham in Cheshire.

Frodsham Solar would generate a significant amount of clean electricity to be supplied to businesses and homes in the region. The current proposals have an indicative capacity of around 150 megawatt (MW), although we acknowledge this may change as the design of Frodsham Solar develops.

The intention is for electricity generated by Frodsham Solar to be supplied through a combination of SP Energy Networks – the network operator responsible for distributing electricity across Merseyside and Cheshire – and through direct private connections to local businesses and industrial clusters neighbouring the project.

We already have a connection agreement with SP Energy Networks to supply up to 100 MW to Frodsham Substation (for context, 100 MW is equivalent to being enough power for approximately 34,000 homes), and they are actively exploring further private connection agreements through discussions with local businesses. The proposals also include energy storage to help ensure the electricity is reliable and distributed when it is needed.

Frodsham Solar Site Location Map
Frodsham Solar Site Location Map
Frodsham Solar Concept Plan
Frodsham Solar Concept Plan
Frodsham Solar could:
Renewable electricity

Export up to 100 MW of renewable electricity to SP Energy Networks, who are responsible for distributing electricity across Cheshire and Merseyside.

Clean, reliable, home-grown electricity

Generate clean, reliable, home-grown electricity for approximately 34,000 homes.

Directly supply local industry

Directly supply local industry through new individual connections.

Public access and recreation

Provide opportunities for public access and recreation, such as through maintaining public rights of way and exploring opportunities to create new footpaths to increase local access and recreation.

Tailored package of benefits

Design and deliver a tailored package of benefits for the local community. ​

Solar energy generation can go hand in hand with boosting biodiversity locally such as through establishing wildflower areas, enhancing wetland habitats or by restoring hedgerows and native species.

solar battery charge icon

Bolster UK energy security with the use of a battery energy storage system (BESS) to store electricity and discharge when it is needed.

Why Frodsham Solar?

Why solar?

Solar at a glance

Solar energy is affordable, reliable, renewable and clean. There are a number of reasons why solar can benefit not only the planet in terms of climate change, but also the country in terms of reducing the cost of electricity and boosting our energy security.

It is a key source of energy

The UK Government has identified solar as a key source of energy as the country transitions away from fossil fuels towards a decarbonised electricity system by a target date of 2035. A five-fold increase in solar across the country is required to help achieve this target, ultimately to meet Net Zero targets by 2050.

It is affordable

Solar allows the UK to deliver affordable power. It is considerably cheaper than more commonly used energy types such as coal, oil and gas, meaning that the more solar energy within our energy system, the more affordable our energy system can be.

It can be built quickly

Solar can be deployed quickly and flexibly across the UK. This means that not only can it be utilised to help tackle the climate crisis at the fast-pace that is needed, it can also bolster the country’s energy security by increasing the amount of homegrown energy that we have, reducing the impact of events such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Why Frodsham?

Energy Innovation District

The site sits centrally within the Energy Innovation District, enabling Frodsham Solar to produce power in an area that currently consumes around 5% of the UK’s energy.

Supports national targets

It supports the United Kingdom’s legally binding target to reach net-zero by 2050.

Supports regional targets

Frodsham Solar will support both the Net Zero North West Industrial Cluster and Invest Net Zero Cheshire through meeting targets, and allow for direct power to local businesses.

Highlights local innovation

The project showcases the level of innovation locally, as seen within the Cheshire Science Corridor Enterprise Zone.
Why Frodsham Solar?

Why solar?

Solar at a glance

Solar energy is affordable, reliable, renewable and clean. There are a number of reasons why solar can benefit not only the planet in terms of climate change, but also the country in terms of reducing the cost of electricity and boosting our energy security.

It is affordable

Solar allows the UK to deliver affordable power. It is considerably cheaper than more commonly used energy types such as coal, oil and gas, meaning that the more solar energy within our energy system, the more affordable our energy system can be.

It is a key source of energy

The UK Government has identified solar as a key source of energy as the country transitions away from fossil fuels towards a decarbonised electricity system by a target date of 2035. A five-fold increase in solar across the country is required to help achieve this target, ultimately to meet Net Zero targets by 2050.

It can be built quickly

Solar can be deployed quickly and flexibly across the UK. This means that not only can it be utilised to help tackle the climate crisis at the fast-pace that is needed, it can also bolster the country’s energy security by increasing the amount of homegrown energy that we have, reducing the impact of events such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Why Frodsham?

Energy Innovation District

The site sits centrally within the Energy Innovation District, enabling Frodsham Solar to produce power in an area that currently consumes around 5% of the UK’s energy.

Supports regional targets

Frodsham Solar will support both the Net Zero North West Industrial Cluster and Invest Net Zero Cheshire through meeting targets, and allow for direct power to local businesses.

Supports national targets

It supports the United Kingdom’s legally binding target to reach net-zero by 2050.

Highlights local innovation

The project showcases the level of innovation locally, as seen within the Cheshire Science Corridor Enterprise Zone.
Why Frodsham Solar?

Why solar?

Solar at a glance

Solar energy is affordable, reliable, renewable and clean. There are a number of reasons why solar can benefit not only the planet in terms of climate change, but also the country in terms of reducing the cost of electricity and boosting our energy security.

It is affordable

Solar allows the UK to deliver affordable power. It is considerably cheaper than more commonly used energy types such as coal, oil and gas, meaning that the more solar energy within our energy system, the more affordable our energy system can be.

Energy Innovation District

The site sits centrally within the Energy Innovation District, enabling Frodsham Solar to produce power in an area that currently consumes around 5% of the UK’s energy.

Supports regional targets

Frodsham Solar will support both the Net Zero North West Industrial Cluster and Invest Net Zero Cheshire through meeting targets, and allow for direct power to local businesses.

Why Frodsham?

It is a key source of energy

The UK Government has identified solar as a key source of energy as the country transitions away from fossil fuels towards a decarbonised electricity system by a target date of 2035. A five-fold increase in solar across the country is required to help achieve this target, ultimately to meet Net Zero targets by 2050.

It can be built quickly

Solar can be deployed quickly and flexibly across the UK. This means that not only can it be utilised to help tackle the climate crisis at the fast-pace that is needed, it can also bolster the country’s energy security by increasing the amount of homegrown energy that we have, reducing the impact of events such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Supports national targets

It supports the United Kingdom’s legally binding target to reach net-zero by 2050.

Highlights local innovation

The project showcases the level of innovation locally, as seen within the Cheshire Science Corridor Enterprise Zone.
Indicative Project Timeline​

The timeline below indicates the key stages we are working through in order to develop Frodsham Solar. You can see the activities that were completed in 2023, along with our anticipated next steps through 2024 and beyond.

  • 2023

  • Early Summer 2023:

    Public communication of proposals and opening of communications channels.

  • Early Summer 2023:

    Publication of Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC), setting out how we will consult on our proposals, which you can view here

  • Summer 2023:

    First phase of consultation on initial proposals. 

  • Summer 2023:

    Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

    Scoping Report and Opinion.

  • Summer/Autumn 2023:

    Feedback analysis, interim reporting and ongoing engagement. 

  • 2024

  • Ongoing development of proposals, accompanied by engagement and interim reporting of phase one consultation feedback.

    WE ARE HERE
  • Second phase of consultation on more detailed proposals and Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR). 

  • Submission of Development Consent Order Application.

  • 2025

  • Examination and determination of Development Consent Order Application.

  • 2027

  • Construction activities.

  • 2028

  • Frodsham Solar becomes operational.

The Planning Process​
Frodsham Solar will be classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), due to having a total installed capacity of over 50 MW.

Therefore, to gain consent a DCO application will be submitted to the PINS, which acts as the Examining Authority, and then will be determined by the Secretary of State, as set out in the 2008 Planning Act. As part of our application, we will be consulting extensively with local authorities, communities and other organisations. Peel Cubico Renewables are committed to engaging with you throughout the process, and we will work proactively to ensure that our project is delivered sensitively and thoughtfully. We are determined to deliver a robust and engaging consultation as the project moves forward. 

We are undertaking an iterative consultation process for Frodsham Solar. The feedback and information we receive will help inform the design of the project that we submit to the Planning Inspectorate for approval. We have recently published our Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC) which provides further detail on how we plan to consult with the local community. This can be viewed in the document library section of this website.

For further information on the DCO application process, please click here.

Stages of the NSIP application process

 

Pre-Application          

Acceptance                 

Pre-examination

Examination

Recommendation and Decision

Post Decision

FAQs

Frodsham Solar is a solar farm which will generate renewable electricity through ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, with on-site energy storage to store and supply power for when it is most needed. The site is situated on land north of Frodsham in Cheshire. 

Cubico Sustainable Investments is one of the world’s largest privately-owned renewable energy companies. Cubico has an installed capacity of nearly 3 gigawatts (GW) across 12 countries in Europe, the Americas and Australia, with a further 3 GW in construction and development. It brings expertise in financing, route to market, construction and operation.

In January 2024, Cubico Sustainable Investments (Cubico) acquired Peel NRE’s 50% stake in Peel Cubico Renewables Ltd. This includes the joint venture’s solar development pipeline, meaning that Frodsham Solar is now a Cubico project and Frodsham Solar Limited is wholly owned by Cubico.

The acquisition also includes the transfer of the North-West based Peel NRE renewables development team into the Cubico business, ensuring that those that know and have the experience of developing renewable energy in this area remain on the project.

It represents a significant step in Cubico’s aspiration to establish itself as a prominent developer, owner, and operator of renewable energy assets within the country, aligning with the UK’s pursuit of its own ambitious net zero targets.

The climate crisis and the energy crisis are problems that both the UK and the world are facing. The UK has set ambitious climate targets to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels in order to help reduce emissions and increase the amount of homegrown affordable energy to bolster energy security.

Nationally, the British Energy Security Strategy and Powering Up Britain policy paper include ambitions for a significant increase in solar-generating capacity, with a target of increasing electricity generated from solar from 14 GW (gigawatts) currently to up to 70 GW by 2035.

Locally, one of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s six priorities is tackling the climate emergency, targeting to install 300 megawatts (MW) of solar generation capacity by 2025, and 800 MW by 2050. Halton Borough Council aims to be net zero by 2040.

We know that energy prices are putting pressure on households and businesses. Importantly, solar is one of the most affordable forms of electricity in the UK. This, along with the ongoing falling costs and increased efficiency of solar panels, means that solar power is an effective way of reducing spending on energy generation.  

Frodsham Solar will contribute a significant amount of clean, affordable electricity to reduce the country and the region’s fossil fuel emissions, as well as increasing the amount of homegrown affordable energy to help strengthen the UK’s energy security.

Yes, energy storage is included as part of our proposals for Frodsham Solar.

Often referred to as Battery and Energy Storage Systems – or ‘BESS’ – the ability to store energy produced by renewables plays a vital role in increasing the resilience of our electricity network, further strengthening energy security. Battery storage allows for the energy produced from solar, which will typically be generated throughout daylight hours, to be stored for when it is most needed by local industry and local residents.  BESS also forms a vital role in ensuring a more resilient energy grid for the future, something that is becoming even more important with the growth of renewable energy generation.

Frodsham Solar will connect into the nearby Frodsham Substation, adjacent to the site over the River Weaver. Here, electricity produced by the solar farm will be supplied to the Distribution Network Operator – SP Energy Networks – who are responsible for distributing electricity across Cheshire and Merseyside. This allows for Frodsham Solar to supply clean, affordable energy to homes and businesses across the region.

We are also actively exploring options to provide power directly to local industry, through new individual connections with nearby businesses.

Due to the amount of power that Frodsham Solar would generate (more than 50 MW) the project is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). This means that to gain permission to build and operate the solar farm, a Development Consent Order (DCO) application has to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.  We will also be undertaking an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the proposals.  Ultimately, it will be determined by the Secretary of State as to whether the project is granted consent.

Although a planning application will not be submitted to the local planning authorities, who would be Cheshire West and Chester Council and Halton Borough Council, local authorities and stakeholder groups play a key role in the process and will be extensively consulted as the project moves forward.

Frodsham Solar would generate a significant amount of clean electricity to be supplied to businesses and homes in the region.

The total amount of clean electricity produced by Frodsham Solar will depend upon a range of factors, including technology at the time of construction, connection agreements with the regional distributor and local businesses, and the final project design (which will be informed by our upcoming consultations and environmental assessments). Therefore, we are not able to provide a definitive project capacity at this early stage of the proposals.

We do know that the project will generate well over 50 MW of electricity, and Frodsham Solar is therefore considered to be a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). In fact, our current early proposals have an indicative capacity in the region of 150 MW, although the project team acknowledge this may change as the design of Frodsham Solar develops.

We do not yet know the definitive capacity of the energy storage at this early stage of the project. However, we do know that the capacity will be linked to the size of the solar capacity, so that energy generated by Frodsham Solar that is not in demand can be stored for when it is needed.

Frodsham Solar would be situated at the heart of the Cheshire’s Energy Innovation District, a corridor of industry providing secure, low carbon and lower cost energy. Solar would complement the existing mix of low carbon technologies already present in this corridor, including onshore wind generation. Frodsham Solar would contribute a significant amount of low carbon energy to the district, further diversifying and strengthening the regional production of renewable power.

Frodsham Solar would also play an important role in contributing to the vision set out by Net Zero North West, to ensure that the North West leads the way in becoming a country-wide leader in low carbon and renewable technologies.

As well as Frodsham Solar being suitably located to support the North West’s vision to lead the way in low carbon technology, the site is a suitable location for a solar farm.

A range of environmental and technical factors suggest the site is a suitable location for a solar farm. These include the topography (being relatively flat), existing land uses being compatible, our understanding of potential environmental constraints, and existing access for construction vehicles. 

Frodsham Solar sits within an area of existing infrastructure, including Frodsham Wind Farm, and bordered by the M56, Mersey Estuary, River Weaver and the Manchester Ship Canal.

The site is also in close proximity to the grid connection at the existing Frodsham Substation, located adjacent to the site across the River Weaver, and clusters of local industry which are significant regional users of energy. This proximity means that electricity produced by Frodsham Solar won’t have to travel far to connect into where it is needed.

While it is too early to confirm the specific solar panels that would be installed for Frodsham Solar, it is likely that the panels will be fixed, with a maximum height of the panels (including their supports) to be 3.5 metres and a minimum height of the panels’ edge above ground level to be of 0.7 metres.

It is also too early to confirm specific suppliers of materials for Frodsham Solar. Procurement decisions such as this will be taken closer to the point of construction, to ensure appropriate panels are used based on technology, planning consent and best practice at the time. These decisions will be guided by an Outline Supply Chain and Employment Plan which we anticipate submitting as part of our planning application, as well as Cubico’s track record of using trusted and ethical suppliers. Cubico are signatories to Solar Energy’s Supply Chain Commitment and use industry leading audit services to verify the supply chain.

Yes. The solar panels used for Frodsham Solar will be as recyclable as practically possible. As part of our design materials, we will be seeking to minimise the use of non-recyclable materials. For example, instead of using concrete, materials such as steel will be used.

Up to 99% of materials in solar panels are recyclable and there are several established businesses that do this. Companies such as PV Cycle (pvcycle.org.uk) and Recycle Solar (recyclesolar.co.uk) can manage faulty or expired solar panels. Recently, the first factory specialising in solar recycling has opened in France. We expect this industry to continue to grow over time both across the world and in the UK, in direct proportion to the increasing number of solar panels that are installed. At the end of the project, as part of the Development Consent Order (DCO) there will be a comprehensive decommissioning plan which will include the recycling of all materials used.

Firstly, we would like to thank everyone who took part in and engaged with our proposals during the first phase of consultation for Frodsham Solar. Following the close of consultation, the project team will be working hard to analyse and consider all feedback that has been received to help inform the design as the project moves forward.

Prior to the second phase of consultation, we will be producing a summary of the feedback that we have received so far, which will be made publicly available. In the meantime, our communication channels remain open if you have any questions about the project.

Contact us

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to find out more information about Frodsham Solar.
Blue photovoltaic solar panels mounted in fields for producing clean ecological electricity. Production of renewable energy concept.
Cubico sustainable investments logo