Associated British Ports (ABP) said Westmorland & Furness Council has approved plans for a floating solar project at the Port of Barrow.
The company said the committee signed off the Barrow EnergyDock scheme on 24 November.
ABP said the project will install a floating solar array of up to 40MWp on Cavendish Dock to supply power for the advanced manufacturing sector.
The company said the array will generate electricity equivalent to around 14,000 homes each year.
ABP said the solar panels will be mounted on floating pontoons fixed at an optimum angle for generation and secured to the dock bed by an anchoring system.
The array would cover around one-third of the dock’s water area and comprise about 47,000 panels.
Current leisure activities will continue, according to ABP.
“We are delighted to receive approval for this landmark project, which represents a significant step towards cleaner, more resilient energy for the region,” said Kirsten Abbott, senior project manager (energy generation and storage) at ABP.
“Barrow EnergyDock demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that support industry and reduce carbon emissions,” Abbott said.
“The development marks a major milestone in realising ABP’s exciting plans for the Port of Barrow, which are designed to drive economic growth and support the region’s advanced engineering sector,” said Bryan Davies, divisional port manager (northwest and Scotland).
“We look forward to taking this project forward,” Davies said.
ABP said the project supports economic growth for Barrow and the wider Furness area.