Nova Innovation commissioned a 400kW floating solar array at a UK quarry, reducing emissions and supporting national renewable energy goals.
Scottish renewable energy company Nova Innovation has successfully completed and commissioned a 400kW floating solar photovoltaic (PV) project at Bathgate Silica Sand’s North Arclid quarry in Cheshire, England. The development marks another significant milestone in the UK’s growing adoption of floating solar technology and highlights how industrial sites can integrate clean energy solutions to reduce operating costs and environmental impacts.
The newly installed floating solar array consists of 650 photovoltaic modules strategically mounted on North Arclid Lake, a water body located within the quarry site. By utilizing the lake’s surface rather than valuable operational land, the project demonstrates the advantages of floating solar systems for industrial facilities with access to reservoirs, lakes, or other water resources. The generated electricity will be supplied directly to the quarry’s operations, helping to lower reliance on grid power while reducing carbon emissions associated with energy consumption.
Nova Innovation delivered the project under an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract that was awarded in December. Following months of planning, design, and installation work, the project achieved a major milestone when it began generating electricity in May. The initiative was developed in collaboration with engineering consultancy RSK, combining expertise in renewable energy deployment and infrastructure development.
According to Nova Innovation Chief Executive Officer Simon Forrest, the project is already delivering tangible benefits for the client by reducing energy expenditures. He emphasized that the installation serves as a practical example of how floating solar technology can help businesses make productive use of existing water assets while advancing sustainability objectives. Forrest also noted that the successful completion of the project strengthens Nova’s growing pipeline of renewable energy developments and reinforces the important role floating solar can play in supporting the UK’s broader decarbonization ambitions.
The North Arclid installation contributes to a rapidly expanding segment of the UK renewable energy market. Floating solar projects are increasingly being deployed across lakes, reservoirs, quarries, and other water bodies throughout the country. These systems offer a unique advantage by generating renewable electricity without occupying agricultural land or disrupting industrial operations. In addition, floating solar installations can potentially improve panel efficiency due to the cooling effect of water, further enhancing energy output.
Bathgate Silica Sand Managing Director David Robinson welcomed the project’s completion, describing it as an important achievement for both the company and the quarrying industry. He highlighted that quarries are increasingly contributing to the transition toward a more sustainable future by embracing innovative renewable energy technologies. Robinson also praised Nova Innovation for delivering the project on schedule and managing all aspects of the development process, allowing the quarry operator to remain focused on its core business activities.
The project builds upon plans first announced in December 2025. At that time, Nova outlined its intention to develop a 400kW floating solar system at North Arclid Lake through AquaGen365, its joint venture with RSK. Initial plans referenced a 450-module installation, but the completed project ultimately incorporates 650 solar modules, enhancing its overall generation capacity and renewable energy contribution.
The commissioning comes at a time when the UK government is accelerating efforts to expand solar power generation nationwide. The government has set an ambitious target of achieving 70GW of installed solar capacity by 2035 as part of its broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions and strengthen energy security. Floating solar technology is increasingly viewed as an important component of this expansion because it enables additional renewable energy deployment without competing for land needed for agriculture, industry, or development.
As the UK continues to diversify its renewable energy portfolio, projects such as the North Arclid floating solar installation demonstrate how innovative solutions can help industries reduce costs, cut emissions, and contribute to national clean energy goals. The successful deployment further reinforces floating solar’s growing role in the future of sustainable power generation across the country.
