Huge plans for a floating solar farm to supply BAE Systems with renewable energy have been tabled in Barrow. Associated British Ports (ABP) has approached Westmorland and Furness Council with an application to develop what could be the 'º£½ÇÊÓƵ's largest floating solar array' at Cavendish Dock.
The planning documents indicate the anticipated 'Barrow Energy Dock' could boast a generating capacity of 35-40MWp, directly feeding into the BAE Systems network. The documents state: "To continue decarbonisation efforts and to help control electricity costs for the ports, ABP is proposing to build the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's largest floating solar array at Barrow. This will help secure renewable power to the intended recipient BAE Systems Submarines for decades."
They add: "The long term viability of the port will also be secured, ensuring it is an attractive place for existing and new businesses, which in turn will hopefully lead to more, direct local employment at the port and indirect jobs in the local economy."
The design outlines plans for the solar panels to be installed atop floating pontoons anchored securely in the dock.
Construction work is scheduled to start this summer, with completion expected over a span of nine to 12 months. It's noted that the proposed site is currently utilised by the Barrow Angling Association and for other recreational activities.
The applicant's development team has liaised with the angling association to ensure that any potential impacts on current activities around the dock are 'minimised' or 'mitigated' where possible, according to planning documents. The supporting statement reads: "While there may be some temporary impacts during the construction phase on the recreational receptors using the dock, these are predicted to be short term and will only impact a modest section of the wider dock area, allowing fishing activities to continue, as well as public access to the walkways to continue."
The floating solar farm is set to be the first significant project in ABP's masterplan for the port, with a new jetty and bases to serve offshore wind expected to follow.
The masterplan also outlines proposals for maritime connections to support hydrogen import and carbon storage. The application is currently open for public consultation.
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