What’s described as the UK’s largest floating solar energy project has been approved for construction at the Port of Barrow.
The Barrow EnergyDock project will see the installation of a floating solar array on Cavendish Dock, covering around one-third of the dock’s water area and comprising approximately 47,000 panels. It will deliver up to up to 40MWp, or enough electricity to power the equivalent of around 14,000 homes each year, said port operator Associated British Ports (ABP), which will oversee delivery of the project. The energy generated is to be used by the advanced manufacturing sector.
The project aims to help control electricity costs at the port, reduce carbon emissions, and improve energy resilience for local industry.
The application was approved by Westmorland & Furness Council’s Strategic Planning Committee on Monday 24 November, and announced by Port operator Associated British Ports (ABP).
The solar panels will be mounted on floating pontoons fixed at an optimum angle for solar generation, secured to the dock bed by an anchoring system. The proposed array would cover around one-third of the dock’s water area. Existing leisure activities will continue, with potential for further leisure use in the future. This floating approach preserves valuable port land for operational and manufacturing uses, supporting jobs and the wider economy.
Kirsten Abbott, Senior Project Manager (Energy Generation and Storage) at ABP, said:
“We are delighted to receive approval for this landmark project, which represents a significant step towards cleaner, more resilient energy for the region. Barrow EnergyDock demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that support industry and reduce carbon emissions.”
Bryan Davies, Divisional Port Manager (Northwest and Scotland), added: “The development marks a major milestone in realising ABP’s exciting plans for the Port of Barrow, which are designed to drive economic growth and support the region’s advanced engineering sector. We look forward to taking this project forward.”
