Consultation now open
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
of clean energy
powered with electricity
of CO₂ displaced from equivalent fossil fuel energy
Where we are now
Our first phase of community consultation is now live, running from Wednesday 11th September to Wednesday 23rd October 2024.
We welcome feedback from interested parties and local communities and are committed to undertaking a transparent and rigorous consultation process, which involves engaging with local planning authorities, interested groups and statutory consultees.
We will be holding a series of information events during the first phase of consultation, providing opportunities for the community to find out more information about the proposals, meet members of the project team and provide their feedback. For more information, please click here.
We want to hear your feedback on our early-stage proposals to help inform the final design. You can complete a feedback form at any of our in-person information events, or online via this link, or by email or freepost by downloading a copy of our feedback form and sending this to us using the contact information provided below. The deadline to submit feedback is 23:59pm Wednesday 23rd October 2024.
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 with local communities and statutory stakeholders throughout the development of the project. We value local knowledge – 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 energy.
Project benefits
Biodiversity Net Gain
Boost local biodiversity by establishing wildflower meadows and grassland areas.
Green Infrastructure
Explore opportunities to enhance green infrastructure, such as introduce new public rights of way, woodland blocks and hedgerow planting.
Grazing
Allow continued agricultural use by exploring opportunities to retain grazing under solar panels.
Comunity benefit fund
Support local initiatives through a community benefit fund.
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
www.lostriggsolar.com
FREEPOST LOSTRIGG SOLAR