Nova Innovation has energised the UK's newest floating solar installation for Bathgate Silica Sand, one of the country's largest producers of high‑quality industrial silica sand.

The 400kW floating photovoltaic (FPV) system, comprising 650 panels on North Arclid Lake, marks a key step in decarbonising the century‑old quarry's operations while cutting energy costs.

Covering an area roughly the size of two Olympic‑sized swimming pools, the array is supplying on‑site clean power, reducing bills and improving energy security for the business.

"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." — David Robinson, Managing Director, Bathgate Silica Sand

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Nova delivered the end‑to‑end project in just six months, drawing on its marine energy track record, which includes the world's first offshore tidal array in Shetland and Scotland's first FPV project.

Simon Forrest, Chief Executive Officer, Nova Innovation, 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."

Developed with RSK as a single 'one stop shop', the partnership handled feasibility, design, consents, installation and operations. Bathgate Silica Sand awarded the EPC contract in December, with first power achieved in May, and no disruption to day‑to‑day quarrying.

With energy prices elevated, the project shows how industrial operators can use existing water assets to lower bills and emissions while preserving valuable operational land.

Floating solar is gaining momentum in the UK's energy mix. A recent CBI Economics report highlights its potential to reduce costs, increase domestic generation, bolster energy security and support the shift to a low‑carbon power system.

The Government's Solar Roadmap targets 70GW of solar by 2035, identifying floating solar as a key technology that can scale at pace across lakes, reservoirs, ports and harbours.