Featuring 23,000 panels, the solar park is being developed as Thames Water looks to self-generate 33% of renewable energy by 2020.
Thames Water energy manager Angus Berry said: "Becoming a more sustainable business is integral to our long term strategy and this innovative new project brings us one step closer to achieving our goal – this is the right thing for our customers, the right thing for our stakeholders and most importantly the right thing for the environment."
Ciel et Terre International will manufacture the floating mounting system for the project, which is expected to generate 5.8 million kilowatt hours in its first year, enough to the meet power needs of around 1,800 homes.
Ciel et Terre international business development manager Eva Pauly said: "This is our largest project outside of Japan and the first one with European bank financing, proving that our technology is not only suitable for water utilities, but has also been recognised as bankable in Europe as well as Asia."
Lightsource will be responsible for the deployment of more than 61,00 floats and 177 anchors.
Lightsource CEO Nick Boyle said: "There is a great need from energy intensive industries to reduce their carbon footprint, as well as the amount they are spending on electricity and solar can be the perfect solution.
"We’re therefore constantly evolving new skill sets to ensure that all of our projects deliver maximum energy generation over the lifetime of the installation."
Power generated from the floating pontoon, which will cover around a tenth of the reservoir, will be used to help power a nearby water treatment plant.
Ennoviga Solar co-founder Stefano Gambro said: "We’re delighted to have delivered another successful solar project, also for Thames Water, generating cost-effective electricity right where it’s used."
Image: The floating solar plant will cover around a tenth of the Queen Elizabeth II reservoir. Photo: courtesy of Thames Water Utilities Limited.
