150MW Solar NSIP Launches Second Consultation Phase

Wedoany.com Report-Nov 12, Global renewable energy investor Cubico Sustainable Investments launched the second phase of consultations yesterday (7 November) for a 130MW solar-based nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP) in Cheshire.

The second consultation phase for the Frodsham Solar NSIP project will last six weeks until 19 December 2024. The first consultation phase was conducted 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 Chesire West and Chester councils in reaching net zero by 2045.

Subject to receiving consent, the project is anticipated to be operational by 2029 and harness ground-mounted solar PV modules 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 been disclosed at the time of reporting.

The project will connect to the grid at the existing Frodsham substation. Cubico confirmed that infrastructure must be built to connect the electricity to the regional distribution network.

Mark Flaherty, development manager for Frodsham Solar, hailed the project’s plans, stating that it provides an “exciting opportunity to strengthen the region’s vibrant low-carbon industry” and teased that an application for consent is planned for Spring 2025.

“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,” Flakherty said.

Cubico’s solar PV expansion

Peel Cubico Renewables, the project’s initial developer, was acquired by Cubico Sustainable Investments in January 2024, when the investor secured Peel NRE’s 50% stake. The company was initially set up as a joint venture in 2021 to develop a pipeline of 500MW of UK solar PV and onshore wind.

Cubico Sustainable Investments has ties to several international solar PV markets, including the Americas.

Earlier this year, our sister site PV Tech reported that the London-based energy investor had acquired a portfolio of 12 solar and hybrid power projects in Mexico, adding 1.6GW of capacity to the firm’s development portfolio in the country.

Further south, the company has also been expanding its presence within the South American market. In September 2023, Cubico purchased the operational 26MW Alto Cielo solar PV power plant in northern Uruguay from Canadian asset manager Brookfield. The project has been in commercial operation since 2016.

DCO decision delayed for 480MW solar PV NSIP

In other NSIP news, it was confirmed on Wednesday (6 November) that the development consent order (DCO) application for solar PV developer Island Green Power’s 480MW West Burton project had been delayed until the new year.

The decision will now be delayed until 24 January 2025. The government said this was to “allow time for necessary public consultation on potential variations to the application”.

The solar PV NSIP will be situated in close proximity to the former West Burton A coal-fired power plant, which closed on 31 March 2023. It will host ground-mounted solar PV modules and be connected by underground cables.