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 so far.
Our second phase of consultation has now started and will be running for six weeks from Thursday 7th November until Thursday 19th December 2024. You can view the latest consultation information in the ‘Phase Two Consultation’ section of the website and download all materials in our Document Library.
Thank you in advance for your feedback. We will listen to and use your views and local knowledge to develop our design proposals and ensure they meet our ambition of generating clean energy while delivering benefits to the local area.
You can view more information about our proposals in our Phase Two Community Consultation Leaflet.
You can fill in our online feedback form here
Click here to view our Preliminary Environmental Information Report
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 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.
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 the existing Frodsham Substation. The proposals also include energy storage to help ensure the electricity is reliable and distributed when it is most needed. Part of the solar farm site would be shared with Frodsham Wind Farm. Protos, an important energy and resource hub, neighbours the site. The plans include a “private-wire connection”, enabling power generated by the solar farm to be supplied directly to local industry, meeting the local high demand for power with locally generated clean energy. The proposals also include the necessary infrastructure to connect the electricity into the regional distribution network at the existing Frodsham substation.
Export up to 100 MW of renewable electricity to SP Energy Networks, who are responsible for distributing electricity across Cheshire and Merseyside.
Generate clean, reliable, home-grown electricity for approximately 34,000 homes.
Directly supply local industry through new individual connections.
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.
Bolster UK energy security with the use of a battery energy storage system (BESS) to store electricity and discharge when it is needed.
Design and deliver a tailored package of benefits for the local community.
Why solar?
Solar at a glance
It is a key source of energy
It is affordable
It can be built quickly
Why Frodsham?
Energy Innovation District
Supports national targets
Supports regional targets
Highlights local innovation
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 130 megawatts (MW), equivalent to enough electricity for 40,000 homes annually.
We already have a connection agreement with SP Energy Networks to supply up to 100 MW to the existing Frodsham Substation. The proposals also include energy storage to help ensure the electricity is reliable and distributed when it is most needed. Part of the solar farm site would be shared with Frodsham Wind Farm. Protos, an important energy and resource hub, neighbours the site. The proposals also include the necessary infrastructure to connect the electricity into the regional distribution network at the existing Frodsham substation.
The project includes various plans for mitigation and enhancement in terms of landscaping, biodiversity, as well as improvements to existing public rights of way, including 4.5 km of new permissive paths across the site.
Export up to 100 MW of renewable electricity to SP Energy Networks, who are responsible for distributing electricity across Cheshire and Merseyside.
Generate clean, reliable, home-grown electricity for approximately 40,000 homes.
Directly supply local industry through new individual connections.
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.
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.
Bolster UK energy security with the use of a battery energy storage system (BESS) to store electricity and discharge when it is needed.
Cubico recognises its responsibility towards the communities and environments where we operate.
As such, we commit to Frodsham Solar providing a community benefit fund.
We propose an annual fund of £500 per MW installed. As the project currently has a proposed installation capacity of approximately 130 MW, this means the fund could be £65,000 per year.
We want to ensure that the Frodsham Community Fund is invested in initiatives that can make the most difference.
As part of this, we would like to explore ways in which the community may wish to use their funding, which may include:
- Fuel Funding – In partnership with organisations focused on providing financial support to households living in fuel poverty.
- Employment and Skills Funding – Funding the skills, training and employment initiatives to enable local people to secure wider employment.
- Community Funding – Funding for other local projects e.g. community infrastructure, environmental, educational or social initiatives
We welcome and encourage your feedback on any ideas that you may have on where the Frodsham Community Fund could be invested. This is your funding for your community.
You can find out more about our commitment to community involvement on Cubico Renewables’ website: www.cubicoinvest.com/esg/environment-communities
Why solar?
Solar at a glance
It is a key source of energy
It is affordable
It can be built quickly
Why Frodsham?
Energy Innovation District
Supports national targets
Supports regional targets
Highlights local innovation
Why solar?
Solar at a glance
It is affordable
It is a key source of energy
It can be built quickly
Why Frodsham?
Energy Innovation District
Supports regional targets
Supports national targets
Highlights local innovation
Why solar?
Solar at a glance
It is affordable
Energy Innovation District
Supports regional targets
Why Frodsham?
It is a key source of energy
It can be built quickly
Supports national targets
Highlights local innovation
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.
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2023
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Early Summer 2023
Publication of Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC).
Public communication of proposals and opening of communications channels.
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Summer 2023
Phase One Consultation.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report and Opinion.
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2024
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Autumn 2023 – Spring 2024
Feedback analysis, interim reporting and ongoing engagement.
Refinement of early proposals
Ongoing EIA assessment.
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November - December 2024
Phase Two Consultation.
Publication of Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR).
WE ARE HERE -
2025
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Early 2025
Further refinement of proposals, following feedback received during consultation.
Preparation of documents such as Environmental Statement and Consultation Report.
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Spring 2025
Development Consent Order (DCO) Application Submission.
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Summer 2025
Planning Inspectorate
Examination begins. -
2026
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Anticipated Secretary of State Decision.
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2027
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Construction commences.
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2029
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Frodsham Solar becomes operational.
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As the generation capacity for Frodsham Solar is above 50 MW, the project is classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) given the amount of low-carbon electricity that the project will be able to generate. If the project is granted consent, it will be given a Development Consent Order (DCO).
The final decision of whether the project gets consent will be decided by the Secretary of State, following a thorough examination period and recommendation carried out by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS).
This process is robust, and we must demonstrate how we have consulted with councils, technical and statutory stakeholders, landowners and members of the community. When we submit our DCO application to PINS, it will be accompanied by a Consultation Report, setting out how we have consulted and how we have considered the feedback that we have received.
Our final DCO Application will also include an Environmental Statement, a document that details how the potential impacts of the project will be mitigated and where possible, environmental enhancements provided. Our Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR), which we are consulting on during this consultation phase and is available to view online, highlights the assessments that have been undertaken to date, and how we seek to mitigate against impacts.
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
Our Phase Two Consultation for Frodsham Solar is now live and is running for six weeks, from Thursday 7th November until Thursday 19th December 2024.
We invite you to attend one of our information events, which are an opportunity for you to view our proposals and discuss them in person with members of the project team. We are also holding one online webinar (you can sign up via the link below). These events are as follows:
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Christchurch Hall, Weston Point Monday 25th November 3pm – 7pm
Sandy Lane, Weston Point, Runcorn, WA7 4EU
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Helsby Community Centre Tuesday 26th November 2pm – 6.30pm
Lower Robin Hood Lane, Frodsham, WA6 0BW
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Elton Community Centre Friday 29th November 3pm – 7pm
School Lane, Elton, Chester, CH2 4PU
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Frodsham Community Centre Saturday 30th November 1.30pm – 5.30pm
Fluin Ln, Frodsham, WA6 7QN
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Frodsham Community Centre Monday 2nd December 2.30pm – 6.30pm
Fluin Ln, Frodsham, WA6 7QN
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Online Community Webinar Wednesday 4th December 6pm – 7.30pm
Zoom – Click here to register.
A full copy of the PEIR will be available to view at each of the information events. We encourage anyone with an interest in our proposals to come along. You are welcome to drop-in any time during the opening hours.
You can also pick up hard copies of our Phase Two consultation leaflet and feedback form, as well as view our PEIR Non-Technical Summary (NTS) at one of our Community Access Points (CAPs). Each of the CAPs has computer access to view the full PEIR in the Document Library on this website. We recommend checking the latest opening times with each venue before visiting.
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Frodsham Library Mon – Fri: 9am – 6pm | Sat: 9:30am – 1pm
Princeway, Frodsham, WA6 6RX
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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
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Ellesmere Port Library Mon, Thurs and Fri: 9am – 7pm | Tues and Weds: 9am – 5pm | Sat: 9am – 1pm
Civic Way, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BG
Have your say
We want to hear any views you may have on our proposals. You can submit your feedback in a number of ways:
- By completing our online feedback form, which can be found here.
- By completing a printed feedback form at one of our events or collected from a CAP Site and returned free of charge by post (FREEPOST FRODSHAM CONSULTATION – you do not need a stamp).
- By writing to us by post (FREEPOST FRODSHAM CONSULTATION – you do not need a stamp) or by email (info@frodshamsolar.co.uk)
The deadline to provide feedback on our proposals is Thursday 19th December 2024. Please contact us if you’re not sure how best to provide your feedback, if you’d like a printed feedback form sending to you, or if you have any further questions.
Consultation documents
Our Document Library contains all of the consultation documents and information produced as part of our Phase Two consultation, including the full Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) – which we are consulting on during this consultation phase – and our Community Consultation Leaflet.
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.
We anticipate the project to have a generating capacity of 130 megawatts (MW), which is equivalent of providing electricity for approximately 60,000 homes annually.
This final figure 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 consultations and environmental assessments).
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.
We would like to thank everyone who has engaged with us so far, including during our first phase of consultation in 2023. Following the close of our phase two consultation in December 2024, we will consider all feedback received and use this, alongside ongoing surveys and assessments, to refine our proposals before we submit our final DCO application to the Planning Inspectorate in Spring 2025.
The project sits in an area of industry looking to lead the way in the deployment of low carbon infrastructure. It supports Cheshire West and Chester’s ambitions to become net zero by 2045 and Net Zero North West’s vision to become the world’s first net zero industrial cluster by 2040.
Benefits of the project also include:
- With an anticipated capacity of 130 MW, Frodsham Solar could provide enough electricity for 40,000 homes.
- Frodsham Solar is seeking to improve existing public rights of way, and now includes plans for 4.5 km of new permissive paths across the site.
- Frodsham Solar will include nearly 15km of tree and hedgerow planting to boost biodiversity on site.
- Frodsham Solar now includes an area that will create improvements to habitats for non-breeding birds whilst also mitigating the scheme’s impacts, covering an area of approximately 60 hectares.
- Over construction period, approximately 150 full time (or equivalent) jobs could be created, as well as wider economic benefits.
- Cubico will also be bringing forward a dedicated Frodsham Solar community benefit fund in the region of £65,000 per year.
Phase Two Consultation Documents
Community Webinar
Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR)
Phase One Consultation Documents
Statement of Community Consultation Documents
EIA Scoping Report
Contact us
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to find out more information about Frodsham Solar.
- Email: info@frodshamsolar.co.uk
- Freephone Information Line: 0808 175 4004 Available Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
- Write to us at: FREEPOST FRODSHAM SOLAR
