Nova powers quarry with floating solar farm

A quarry operator is cutting energy costs and strengthening its security of supply after switching on a new floating solar farm.

Edinburgh-based Nova has delivered a 400kW floating photovoltaic array for Bathgate Silica Sand at its Arclid Quarry site in Sandbach, Cheshire.

The project, installed on North Arclid Lake, features 650 floating solar panels and has a footprint equivalent to two Olympic swimming pools.

The array is now generating clean electricity for Bathgate Silica Sand’s quarry operations, helping the company reduce energy bills and progress its decarbonisation plans while preserving valuable operational land.

Nova delivered the scheme in six months, from feasibility and design through to consents, installation and operation, with first power achieved in May after the engineering, procurement and construction contract was awarded in December.

The project was developed in partnership with multidisciplinary environmental and engineering consultancyRSK Group and builds on Nova’s experience in marine energy, including the world’s first offshore tidal array in Shetland and Scotland’s first floating solar project.

Simon Forrest, chief executive at Nova, said: “Achieving first power at the Cheshire quarry is a significant milestone and a testament to our team, who delivered this project in just six months. 

“The array is already reducing our client’s energy bills. 

“It clearly demonstrates what floating solar can offer to businesses with access to water bodies. 

“We are excited about what this project signals, both for our pipeline and for the role floating solar will play in the UK reaching its 2035 target.”

The development comes as floating solar gains momentum across the UK, with industry reports highlighting its potential to cut bills, increase clean power generation and support energy security.

The Government’s Solar Roadmap has also committed to increasing national solar capacity to 70GW by 2035, with floating solar identified as a technology capable of contributing across lakes, reservoirs, ports and harbours.

David Robinson, managing director of Bathgate Silica Sand, added: “This is a significant moment for our business and shows that quarries are playing a key role in creating a more sustainable future. 

“Many thanks to Nova for delivering on time and managing every aspect of the job, allowing us to focus on our core day-to-day quarrying operations.” 

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