Global renewable energy investor Cubico Sustainable Investments yesterday (7 November) launched the second phase of consultations for a 130MW solar-based nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP) in Cheshire.
The second phase of consultation for the Frodsham Solar NSIP project will last six weeks until 19 December 2024. The first phase of consultation took place in June 2023.
According to Cubico, the large-scale solar PV NSIP will align with Net Zero North West’s strategic vision and support the councils of Chesire West and Chester in achieving net zero by 2045.
Subject to approval, the project is expected to be operational in 2029 and use ground-mounted solar panels to generate green energy for the region.
Frodsham Solar will also develop a co-located battery energy storage system (BESS) to accompany the solar PV power plant. This capacity has not yet been announced at the time of reporting.
The project will be connected to the electricity grid at the existing Frodsham substation. Cubico confirmed that infrastructure must be built to connect electricity to the regional distribution network.
Mark Flaherty, development manager for Frodsham Solar, praised the project’s plans, saying it provides an “exciting opportunity to strengthen the region’s vibrant low-carbon industry” and teasing that a consent application is planned for spring 2025.
“We encourage anyone who is interested to get involved: come to one of our events or share your thoughts by completing our feedback form. Your feedback is very valuable to us and we will take it into account as we continue to refine our plans before submitting an application for consent, scheduled for next spring,” said Flakherty.
Cubico’s expansion of solar PV
Peel Cubico Renewables, the project’s original developer, was acquired by Cubico Sustainable Investments in January 2024, when the investor secured Peel NRE’s 50% stake. The company was initially formed in 2021 as a joint venture to develop a 500MW pipeline of UK solar and onshore wind energy.
Cubico Sustainable Investments has ties with several international solar PV markets, including America.
Earlier this year, our sister site PV technology reported that the London-based energy investor had done so acquired a portfolio of 12 solar and hybrid energy projects in Mexicoadding 1.6 GW of capacity to the company’s development portfolio in the country.
Further south, the company has also expanded its presence in the South American market. In September 2023, Cubico bought it operational 26MW Alto Cielo solar PV power plant in northern Uruguay from the Canadian asset manager Brookfield. The project has been commercially operational since 2016.
DCO decision postponed for 480MW solar PV NSIP
In other NSIP news, it was confirmed on Wednesday (6 November) that the development consent (DCO) application for solar PV developer Island Green Power’s 480MW West Burton project had been postponed until the new year.
The decision will now be postponed until January 24, 2025. The government said this was to “allow time for the necessary public consultation on possible variations to the application”.
The solar PV NSIP will be located in the vicinity of the former West Burton A coal-fired power station closed on March 31, 2023. It will house ground-mounted solar panels and be connected via underground cables.
