ABP sets out 2040 vision for Barrow
A floating solar farm in a dock at the Port of Barrow will be the first major project to come forward under a bold new masterplan for ABP’s docks in Cumbria.
A 200m jetty and several new bases to serve the offshore wind sector, set to be rejuvenated under Labour energy secretary Ed Miliband’s plans, are also proposed.
The solar project, called EnergyDock, will soon open for public consultation. EnergyDock will occupy Cavendish Dock and be capable of generating up to 32 MWp of electricity, enough to power 10,300 homes each year.
Kirsten Abbott, commercial manager for energy at ABP, said: “ABP is incredibly excited about the Barrow EnergyDock project, which marks a major step toward meeting the green energy needs of Barrow’s industries, and positioning Barrow as a forward-thinking industrial hub.”
ABP Barrow is already home to five operations and maintenance bases used by offshore maintenance crews. ABP hopes to build further O&M bases, along with berths capable of handling larger service operation vessels. ABP has identified around five acres at Walney Channel next to Ramsey Way for these facilities.
ABP also hopes to house teams that will build the next generation of wind turbines under the forthcoming £17bn Eastern Irish Sea Round 4 wind farm programme.
The port is home to BAE Systems’ submarine manufacturing facility, a critical facility in plans under the AUKUS security agreement between UK, US and Australia. Further land is due to be transferred to BAE Systems to expand its submarine section building capacity.
In the wider town, ABP is supporting the marina village and skills quarter as it continues to play its part in making Barrow “a more attractive place to live and work.”
Cllr Jonathan Brook, Liberal Democrat Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council and cabinet member for the economy, said: “This ambitious plan will be key to unlocking Barrow’s potential. The council is committed to working closely with ABP and other stakeholders to make this vision a reality. By joining forces, we can ensure that Barrow thrives and delivers benefits that will be felt across the region for generations to come.”
Read more about the masterplan and take part in the consultation
