Egremont Solarand Wind
About this Project
Egremont is a hybrid solar and wind energy project located on the West Cumbria Energy Coast, an area with a long history of energy generation and a strong local commitment to clean power.
The solar component proposes 20 MWp of ground-mounted photovoltaic capacity with an expected grid connection in January 2029, while the wind component plans 25 MW of wind generation subject to a separate grid connection offer. Together, the two technologies will provide complementary, weather-responsive generation that maximises the site’s renewable output across both high-irradiance and high-wind periods. Egremont is strategically positioned within one of the UK’s most active regions for new grid investment, benefiting from Electricity North West’s significant ongoing upgrade programme in West Cumbria.
Planning Status and Milestones
The solar planning application has not yet been submitted. The wind element requires Heads of Terms to be signed with landowners before a grid offer application can be made. Both components are at an early development stage. The solar land is secured under a signed option agreement with five landowners, while the wind land is at the HOTs finalisation stage.
Connection Details
The solar component connects to the Egremont distribution connection point at 25 MVA export and 1 MVA import, with a grid offer accepted and connection cost estimated at £1.78 million. The wind component requires a separate Gate 2 grid offer application; costs and securities will be confirmed once the offer is received. The DNO is Electricity North West (ENWL), which is currently investing £50 million in the Harker substation and upgrading 64km of transmission lines from Egremont to Belle Vue as part of a broader West Cumbria grid enhancement programme.
Site and Surrounding Area
Egremont is a market town in West Cumbria, historically associated with iron ore mining and within the broader West Cumbria Energy Coast that encompasses the Sellafield nuclear complex. The area sits at the western edge of the Lake District National Park, with Dent Fell rising to the east as a prominent landscape feature on Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast Walk route. Whitehaven lies approximately 5 miles to the north, and the Irish Sea coastline is visible from elevated parts of the site. The surrounding agricultural land comprises productive dairy and sheep-farming country with a distinctive mix of upland and coastal character.
Current Status
Planning
Not Started
Land
Option Signed (Solar) / HOTs
Finalised (Wind)
Grid Offer
Offer Accepted (Solar) / To
Apply (Wind)
Development Phases
| Phase | Egremont PV | Egremont Wind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar (MWp) | 20 MWp | 9 MWp | |
| BESS (MW/Hr) | - | - | |
| Wind (MW) | - | 25 MW | |
| Grid AC | 25 MW | 25 MW | |
| Connection | BESS 2037 / Solar April 2026 | To Apply |