Proposals for the 147MW Frodsham Solar project in the UK have now entered the examination stage.
Developer Cubico Sustainable Investments wants to build the solar farm and 100MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Cheshire, next to the existing 50MW wind farm north of Frodsham and the M56.
Due to the amount of clean energy the project could generate, it has been classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and will be examined by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate.
As well as generating and storing renewable electricity, the project will include the creation of new wildlife habitats and improved public access across the site.
Following public consultation, changes have been made to the plans to address issues raised, including measures to prevent glint and glare affecting the M56.
Frodsham Solar development manager Mark Flaherty said: “We’re very pleased that the Frodsham Solar application has been accepted for examination, a key milestone that reflects the hard work of the whole team.
“This project will bring a significant new source of clean energy to the National Grid, with the potential to directly power local industry.
“Thank you to everyone who’s shared feedback so far. We encourage anyone with an interest in the project to explore the application documents and consider taking part in the examination process.”
Members of the public have until 11:59pm on 28 August 2025 to register as interested parties and submit their relevant representations to the Planning Inspectorate.
The examining authority will use the views put forward in the representations to carry out an initial assessment of the principal issues.
All submitted representations will be published on the Frodsham Solar website after 28 August.
Frodsham Solar will export clean electricity to SP Energy Networks, who are responsible for distributing electricity across Cheshire and Merseyside. The project will include a community benefit fund.
Subject to receiving consent, Frodsham Solar could be operational by 2029, generating enough clean electricity to power over 40,000 homes annually.