Britain’s most valuable fish market has expanded its solar power system, adding 119 panels to help cut the cost of running energy-intensive facilities, including refrigeration and an ice plant capable of producing up to 46 tonnes of ice a day.

The latest installation at Brixham Fish Market, delivered by Totnes-based Bloom Renewables, brings the two-stage project to 423 panels and is expected to generate electricity each year, equivalent to powering around 80 average homes.

The expanded system is also expected to save the market approximately £47,000 a year on energy bills and avoid an estimated 60 tonnes of carbon emissions.

Last year, around £77 million worth of fish was landed and sold at the market, making it the most valuable in England.

Its operations support hundreds of jobs across fishing, processing, logistics, supply and other local businesses.

Torbay Council previously announced an additional £9.791 million in Government Levelling Up Funding to expand operations at Oxen Cove, and boost employment and support the local fishing industry.

The market’s first solar installation, completed in April 2019, comprised 304 panels.

Bloom Renewables estimates these generate around 173,000 kWh of electricity annually, saving approximately £33,000 a year, with a projected payback period of three years and five months.

The recent second phase adds 119 panels, expected to generate an additional 63,000 kWh annually and save around £14,000 a year.

For Brixham Fish Market Finance Director Adam Mudge, the expansion addresses a straightforward business challenge: the cost of keeping the market running.

“We use a lot of electricity here, from refrigeration to an ice plant that can produce up to 46 tonnes a day. Solar helps us bring down the cost of keeping the fish cold and the market running. It’s a big help,” he said.

The main ice plant can produce up to 36 tonnes of ice a day, rising to 46 tonnes when additional machines are included, to be used by fishermen, fishing vessels and fish buyers to keep catches fresh and maintain quality.

Adam said the financial case for expanding the system was clear.

“Solar saves us money. So adding more panels was a straightforward decision.”

He added: “Bloom did a good job the first time round; they knew the site and the existing system, so we were happy to work with them again.”

Mark Bloomfield, founder and Chief Executive of Bloom Renewables, said: “There’s probably no better endorsement of a solar project than a customer coming back and asking you to do it again.

“Brixham Fish Market is a fantastic example because this is renewable energy doing a very practical job – helping power the refrigeration and ice production that a major working fishing port relies on every day.

“It’s brilliant being involved in one of Devon’s oldest industries with technology that can help secure its future – and we’re delighted to be expanding the system with them.”

Adam said the savings could also benefit the wider fishing community by helping the market keep the cost of essential services under control for fishermen, buyers and other local businesses.

He encouraged other businesses across Devon to consider renewable energy to reduce their running costs.

According to Bloom Renewables, their installations have a lifespan of 25+ years, meaning Brixham Fish Market could benefit from free, green energy for over 20 years.