Peel Cubico Renewables (PCR) is excited to introduce its proposals for Frodsham Solar, a new solar farm with energy storage situated 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. Current proposals for the project have an indicative capacity of around 150 MW, although PCR acknowledges that this may change as the design of Frodsham Solar develops.
The project site sits in an area of industry looking to lead the way in low carbon technology development. Frodsham Solar would support Net Zero North West’s vision to become the world’s first net zero industrial cluster by 2040.
Innovatively, 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.
PCR already has a connection agreement with SP Energy Networks to supply up to 100 MW (enough power for approximately 34,000 homes) to Frodsham Substation, and the company is 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.
A first phase of consultation with local communities will begin next week on Thursday 1st June, and run for six weeks until 13th July.
At the start of consultation, the emerging plans for Frodsham Solar will be presented to give local people and community stakeholders an opportunity to provide feedback and help refine the proposals at this early stage. PCR will be writing to local properties with further details on how to get involved with the project.
There will be many ways that people can take part in the consultation, including attending one of the public events, where the community will be able to speak with members of the project team.
PCR is looking forward to hearing feedback on their initial proposals. The comments received will help to shape the development of the plans, including opportunities to consider and key concerns to address. The company is also looking to explore the types of community benefits that could be delivered as part of a tailored package.
Annette Lardeur, Development Manager for Frodsham Solar, said:
“We are really excited to share our initial plans for Frodsham Solar. We believe that the project presents a unique opportunity not only to power homes locally, but also local industry to help the region decarbonise and help the North West become a leader in low carbon technologies.
“We encourage anyone who is interested in the project to share their views when we launch our consultation. All details on the consultation will be found on our website on the day of the launch. I hope that members of the community will be able to attend our events, and I look forward to meeting some of you there.”
Due to its proposed generation capacity being over 50 MW, Frodsham Solar will be classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). This means that an application to the Secretary of State will be made for a Development Consent Order (DCO), which would be expected in 2025. Local councils and communities play a key role as consultees in this process.
More information about the proposals can be found on the project website, frodshamsolar.co.uk, and if anybody would like to ask questions about the project they can do so by emailing info@frodshamsolar.co.uk, calling the freephone information line on 0808 175 4004, or by writing free of charge to FREEPOST FS PCR CONSULTATION.
