Largest floating solar energy farm in UK to launch at Port of Barrow

Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK port operator, has announced that Westmorland & Furness Council’s Strategic Planning Committee has approved plans for the UK’s largest floating solar energy project at the Port of Barrow.

The decision was confirmed on Monday, 24 November, marking a significant step forward in ABP’s commitment to delivering sustainable energy solutions for industry.

The Barrow EnergyDock project will
see the installation of a floating solar array of up to 40MWp on Cavendish Dock. This renewable energy source will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of around 14,000 homes each year, with energy intended for use 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 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 and comprise approximately 47,000 panels.

Current 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."

The Barrow EnergyDock project not only highlights ABP’s dedication to renewable energy generation but also underscores its efforts to secure economic growth for Barrow and the wider Furness area.