UK’s Largest Floating Solar Farm Proposed for Cavendish Dock in Barrow

Image Credit: ABP

Plans have been unveiled for what could become the UK’s largest floating solar farm, a bold step toward renewable energy expansion. Associated British Ports (ABP) has submitted a proposal to install 47,000 solar panels across Cavendish Dock in Barrow, Cumbria, covering nearly a third of the available water surface.

The project is designed to bolster the town’s advanced engineering sector, primarily focusing on supplying renewable power to submarine manufacturer BAE Systems. According to the planning application, the floating solar array would boast enough capacity to generate electricity equivalent to the needs of 14,000 homes annually—a significant step in reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.

Unlike conventional solar farms, this one would feature panels mounted on floating pontoons, carefully positioned at an optimal angle to maximize solar capture. These structures would be anchored securely to the dock floor, ensuring stability while maintaining the integrity of the water body.

Crucially, ABP highlights the strategic benefit of using dock space rather than valuable portland. This allows manufacturing and industrial activities to continue uninterrupted, preserving jobs and boosting the regional economy.

Recognizing potential concerns, ABP has engaged with the local angling association, assuring that any disruptions during the construction phase would be temporary. Fishing activities and public access to nearby walkways would remain largely unaffected once the installation is complete.

This floating solar farm is just the first step in ABP’s broader master plan for the port. Future developments include a new jetty and offshore wind infrastructure, signalling a more significant push toward clean energy investments.

With a public consultation now underway, the project awaits community feedback and final approvals. If given the go-ahead, construction could commence as early as summer, with completion estimated within nine to twelve months—potentially delivering a game-changing leap in the UK’s renewable energy landscape.