Our Phase One Community Consultation ran for six weeks, from Wednesday 11th September to Wednesday 23rd October.
Our consultation has now closed.
Project Overview
RWE is developing proposals for a new solar farm with co-located energy storage in Cumbria. The solar farm, named Lostrigg Solar, is to be located on land alongside the A595, between Little Clifton and Branthwaite.
With a possible generation capacity of up to 100 megawatts (MW) AC, Lostrigg Solar will provide clean, affordable energy for around 45,000 homes and businesses. In doing so, the project will support national and regional aims to decarbonise our electricity system and improve our energy security.
Facts & figures
00
MW
of clean energy
Over
00
homes
powered with electricity
Over
00
M tonnes
of CO₂ displaced from equivalent fossil fuel energy
Where we are now
Our first phase of community consultation has now closed. Our Phase One Consultation ran for six weeks, from Wednesday 11th September to Wednesday 23rd October.
The purpose of this consultation was to introduce RWE, present our early-stage proposals for Lostrigg Solar, and give you the opportunity to provide your feedback. We would like to thank all those who have participated in our first phase of community consultation, whether this has been through attending one of our exhibition events, contacting our communications channels, or providing feedback.
During our Phase One Community Consultation, we held a series of in-person and online exhibition events, providing opportunities for the community to find our more information about the proposals, meet members of the project team and provide their feedback. For more information, please click here.
We are now reviewing all the comments submitted to us during the consultation. Your feedback is integral to the development of Lostrigg Solar in shaping a strong set of proposals that respect the concerns of the local community, while generating clean, renewable electricity.
This website will be updated as more information about the project becomes available. If you would like to be updated as new information becomes available, please register your contact details with us here.
Once constructed, Lostrigg Solar would comprise:
Site Location
Lostrigg Solar is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) because it would generate more than 50 MW of electricity. This means that we will be applying for a Development Consent Order (DCO) through the Planning Inspectorate. Our DCO application is planned to be submitted in the second half of 2025. Prior to this, we will engage with local communities and consultees on our proposals for Lostrigg Solar.
We are committed to working collaboratively with local communities and statutory stakeholders throughout the development of the project to create sustainable energy solutions, while also minimising adverse impacts on the local environment and surrounding communities.
Project benefits
Biodiversity Net Gain
Boost local biodiversity by establishing wildflower meadows and grassland areas.
Show less
Biodiversity Net Gain
Green Infrastructure
Explore opportunities to enhance green infrastructure, such as introduce new public rights of way, woodland blocks and hedgerow planting.
Show less
Green Infrastructure
Grazing
Allow continued agricultural use by exploring opportunities to retain grazing under solar panels.
Show less
Grazing
Comunity benefit fund
Support local initiatives through a community benefit fund.
Show less
Business Rates
DCO Process
Lostrigg Solar is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) because it would generate more than 50 MW of electricity.
The 2008 Planning Act provides the consenting regime for a NSIP. This means that we will submit an application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) on behalf of the Secretary of State, rather than to the local planning authority.
In the case of energy-related development PINS, acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), will carry out an examination of our proposals and then make a recommendation to the Secretary of State on whether to grant consent for the development. Consent would be determined by the Secretary of State.
We anticipate that the pre-application process through to DCO submission and examination will take between two and three years, and we intend to submit our DCO application to PINS in Autumn 2025. Subject to achieving consent, construction would begin no earlier than Spring 2027.
Michael Baker
Project Manager
Lostrigg Solar
I’m Michael, the DCO Project Manager for Lostrigg Solar. As the Project Manager for this project, I am committed to working collaboratively with local communities to ensure their voices are heard. My passion lies in creating sustainable energy solutions while also minimising adverse impacts on the local environment and surrounding communities. If you have any questions for our project team, please do not hesitate to get in touch using the communications channels listed below.
www.lostriggsolar.com
www.lostriggsolar.com
FREEPOST LOSTRIGG SOLAR