The construction of Europe’s largest floating solar project in London has begun.

More than 23,000 solar panels will be installed on Queen Elizabeth II reservoir, with a total installed capacity of 6.3MW.

They are expected to generated 5.8 million kWh in the first year, equivalent to the annual power usage of around 1,800 homes.

The project is part of Thames Water’s ambitious aim to self-generate a third of its energy by 2020.

The water firm currently has solar panels on 41 of its sites and generated 12.5% of its electricity needs from renewable sources in 2014/15.

The floating solar plant will power its nearby water treatment plant.

Angus Berry, Thames Water’s Energy Manager 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.”

The project is being developed by Ennoviga Solar and Lightsource Renewable Energy.