Cubico Sustainable Investments has announced that its Frodsham Solar project in Cheshire has been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The decision marks a major milestone for the project, which will combine solar photovoltaic (PV) generation with an integrated battery energy storage system (BESS), supporting the delivery of reliable, homegrown renewable electricity to homes, businesses and industry across the region.
Located north of the town of Frodsham, the project will have the potential to export up to 100 MW of renewable electricity to the local distribution network – equivalent to meeting the annual electricity needs of approximately 40,000 homes.
Situated alongside the existing Frodsham Wind Farm and Protos energy hub, within Cheshire’s Energy Innovation District, Frodsham Solar will complement the region’s existing low-carbon infrastructure and contribute to its ambitions to become a leading hub for clean energy and industrial decarbonisation.
Lucas Pegoraro, UK Country Head at Cubico Sustainable Investments, commented:
'Securing development consent for Frodsham Solar is a significant milestone for Cubico and an important step forward in our ambition to deliver high-quality renewable energy infrastructure across the UK. This achievement reflects the dedication, expertise and close collaboration of teams across Cubico, who have worked together to bring the project to this important stage. Coupled with the project’s Phase 1 Gate 2 grid status, this milestone puts Frodsham Solar in a strong position to progress towards delivery.
'As the UK accelerates its transition towards a cleaner, more secure and affordable energy system, projects like Frodsham Solar will play an important role in increasing domestic renewable electricity generation, improving energy affordability and supporting the decarbonisation of our economy.'
Joe Chambers, UK Development Lead at Cubico Sustainable Investments, added:
'Securing consent is the culmination of several years of hard work, collaboration and engagement, and I’m incredibly proud of the team and everyone who has contributed to bringing Frodsham Solar to this stage.
'Throughout the development process, we’ve worked closely with local communities, landowners and stakeholders to shape our proposals. While there is still important work ahead, we’re excited to move into the next phase of the project and remain committed to working constructively with local stakeholders to ensure Frodsham Solar delivers lasting benefits for the area.'
Alongside its contribution to renewable electricity generation, Frodsham Solar has been designed to deliver a range of environmental, social and economic benefits.
The proposals include over 5 kilometres of new permissive routes to improve public access and connectivity across the area, alongside extensive landscaping and habitat enhancements to support local biodiversity. A dedicated community benefit fund will also be established to support local initiatives, while construction of the project is expected to create more than 100 full-time-equivalent jobs.
With development consent now secured, Cubico will progress the next phase of the project and preparations for construction. The company will continue to engage with local stakeholders and provide further updates as the project advances.
Source: Cubico Sustainable Investments
