Europe’s largest floating solar farm powers up
The size of eight football pitches, the solar array will power a water treatment plant on the outskirts of London.
On the Queen Elizabeth II reservoir near Heathrow airport, the solar panel array has been built to supply energy to a Thames Water treatment plant fed by the reservoir.
With a surface area of 57,000 m2 the solar array covers less than 10% of the reservoir.
Built from 23,046 solar panel modules, the array is expected to generate 5.8 million kilowatt hours in its first year, enough to power 1,800 homes.
Nick Boyle, CEO of Lightsource, the company which has built the array said that although constructing the array on water added to the logistical challenge of the project there were benefits as well “ The solar panels work optimally at low temperatures as does the wiring and the water acts to cool them, increasing their efficiency.”
The solar array will not connect to the National Grid but after testing is complete it will be attached to the private electrical grid at the water plant where it is expected to provide 20% of the plant’s electricity needs.
News
25 Jul, 2024
Ameresco Sunel Energy SA begins construction on Lightsource bp’s 560MWp Enipeas solar project in Greece
Today Ameresco Sunel Energy SA announced its role in the construction of Lightsource bp’s 560MWp Enipeas solar project in Greece.
24 Jul, 2024
How large-scale solar can benefit the energy transition
The energy transition is a complex challenge requiring a diverse mix of energy sources. Large-scale solar projects are emerging as a crucial component.
22 Jul, 2024
Lightsource bp’s first solar project in Poland reaches Commercial Operation
Lightsource bp marks a milestone in Poland with the 40MW Kotuń project reaching Commercial Operation.
05 Jul, 2024
Sharing knowledge and charting the path for the future of solar – Lightsource bp Q2 2024 events wrap up
Lightsource bp’s teams have been on the road throughout the second quarter of 2024, take a look at what they've been up too.
03 Jul, 2024
Zosia Riesner discusses Lightsource bp’s partnerships and shares power market insights on NPM Europe’s podcast
Zosia Riesner, Lightsource bp Director of Power Markets for Europe, appeared on the Interconnections podcast to share insights on the continent’s power market.
28 Jun, 2024
Lightsource bp global legal team ‘Highly Commended’ at The Lawyer Awards 2024
Lightsource bp’s global legal team was highly commended for ‘In-house commerce and industry team of the year’ at The Lawyer Awards 2024.
28 Jun, 2024
How artificial intelligence (AI) is helping Lightsource bp enhance its operations
We are increasingly using AI to help us work smarter and find solutions to overcome significant challenges.
25 Jun, 2024
Netherlands: Championing sustainable energy, biodiversity and agrivoltaics in partnership with the British Embassy
Lightsource bp Netherlands partnered with the British Embassy to celebrate King Charles III's Birthday, while promoting the benefits of agrivoltaics.
21 Jun, 2024
European Solar Day: Celebrating the solar opportunity
The longest day of 2024 in the Northern Hemisphere is 21 June, it also marks European Solar Day, an annual celebration marking the power and potential of the sun.
20 Jun, 2024
Lightsource bp publishes 2023 Sustainability Report
Lightsource bp, a global leader in solar development, is pleased to publish its 2023 Sustainability Report.