Nova powers UK quarry with floating solar farm

Nova Innovation has completed the commissioning of the UK's newest floating solar farm for Bathgate Silica Sand, a major producer of industrial silica sand in Cheshire. The 400kW floating photovoltaic (FPV) array, comprising 650 solar panels on North Arclid Lake, signifies a key step for the quarry operator in decarbonizing its operations and reducing energy expenses.

The FPV array, covering an area comparable to two Olympic swimming pools, will generate clean electricity for the quarry. This move is expected to lower energy costs for Bathgate Silica Sand and enhance its energy security. David Robinson, Managing Director of Bathgate Silica Sand, highlighted the project's importance for a sustainable future and thanked Nova for an on-time delivery.

Nova Innovation managed the project from feasibility to operation, completing the installation in six months. The company, which previously developed the world's first offshore tidal array, sees this project as a demonstration of the potential of floating solar for businesses with water bodies. "It clearly demonstrates what floating solar can offer to businesses with access to water bodies," stated Simon Forrest, CEO of Nova Innovation.

The project was delivered in partnership with RSK, providing Bathgate Silica Sand with a comprehensive service that included design, consenting, and installation without disrupting quarrying operations. The EPC contract was awarded in December, with power generation beginning in May.

Floating solar is gaining traction across the UK as an effective method for industrial facilities to reduce energy bills and transition to low-carbon sources while preserving land. The UK government aims to increase solar capacity significantly by 2035, with floating solar identified as a crucial technology for achieving this target.