Bluefield launches dedicated floating solar business as UK market hits 40GW potential

Bluefield, one of the UK's largest solar owners and operators, has launched a dedicated floating solar (FPV) business as new analysis reveals the technology could deliver over 40GW of clean power by 2050.

The move follows research by CBI Economics showing floating solar could become one of the UK's largest untapped renewable opportunities, particularly as electricity demand accelerates due to electrification, industrial investment, and AI infrastructure expansion.

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"Floating solar represents one of the most practical and immediate opportunities to strengthen the UK's energy security," said James Armstrong, founder and managing partner at Bluefield. "We've built a dedicated floating solar team with deep experience in both the water and energy sectors."

Bluefield already operates the UK's largest FPV installation at the Queen Elizabeth II Reservoir, supplying power to Thames Water's treatment works. The company is now advancing a pipeline of utility-scale projects across the country, seeing FPV as a strategic complement to ground-mounted solar with rapid deployment potential and proximity to grid infrastructure.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks welcomed the development, stating: "It's time Britain stopped letting our solar potential float on by. Floating solar could generate the equivalent of around 11 gas power stations by 2040 - cutting our dependence on volatile global gas markets."

The analysis projects FPV could scale to 3.6GW by 2030, 18.3GW by 2040, and 40GW+ by 2050, offering benefits including reduced evaporation, lower operating costs for water companies, and new revenue streams aligned with water management objectives.

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