Cubico Sustainable Investments has launched the second phase of consultation for the 130MW Frodsham solar farm, located north of Frodsham in Cheshire, England.
Cubico said 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, added the developer.
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 50MW Frodsham wind farm and located near to Protos, an important energy and resource hub, the plans 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 proposals also include a “private-wire connection”, enabling power generated by the solar farm to be supplied directly to local industry, and meeting local high power demand.
The project includes a range of plans to enhance the landscape, support biodiversity, and improve existing public rights of way with 4.5km of new permissive paths set to be added across the site.
Cubico said it is also committed to providing a Community Fund, providing over £2m pounds across the life of the project.
The fund will support impactful local initiatives that will make a difference to residents 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 19 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.
Frodsham Solar development manager for Mark Flaherty 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 are 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.”
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 events will be held at: Christchurch Hall, Weston Point, Sandy Lane, Weston Point, Runcorn, WA7 4EU on Monday 25 November from 3pm-7pm; Helsby Community Centre, Lower Robin Hood Lane, Frodsham, WA6 0BW on Tuesday 26 November from 2pm-6.30pm; Elton Community Centre, School Lane, Elton, Chester, CH2 4PU on Friday 29 November from 3pm-7pm; Frodsham Community Centre, Fluin Ln, Frodsham, WA6 7QN on Saturday 30 November from 1.30pm-5.30pm; Frodsham Community Centre, Fluin Lane, Frodsham, WA6 7QN on Monday 2 December from 2.30pm-6.30pm; Online Community Webinar Via Zoom: Register your attendance here on Wednesday 4 December from 6pm-7.30pm.
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 19 December 2024.