From Monday (1 September), The University of Manchester began powering its campus with clean, renewable electricity from a major new solar farm. The energisation of Medebridge, located in Ockendon, Essex, means that up to 65% of the University’s electricity demand will now be met from exclusive ‘new-to-earth’ renewable infrastructure.
Comprising of around 104,000 solar panels across 175 acres (roughly the size of 70 football pitches), the site will generate more than 72 GWh of electricity annually, 80% (58GWh) of which will be purchased directly by the University over the next decade. The move will reduce University carbon emissions by 12,000 tonnes of CO2e each year – enough to power 21,000 homes.
Developed in partnership with leading UK clean energy firm Enviromena, the project is part of a 10-year Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA), facilitated by EDF and supported by Inspired PLC, the UK’s leading energy and sustainability advisor. It is the UK’s largest solar CPPA with an educational institution.
Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility at The University of Manchester, said: “The University’s new long-term solar power agreement is a landmark moment in our journey to zero carbon. By entering into this corporate Power Purchase Agreement, we are directly supporting the development of new UK renewable energy while significantly cutting our own emissions.
“Universities have a vital role to play in tackling the climate crisis, not just through research and education but by taking bold, practical action. At Manchester, we’re proud to be the only university ranked in the global top ten every year for social and environmental impact in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, and we remain determined to lead by example to help create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our partners, including Inspired, Enviromena and EDF, whose expertise and support have been essential in making this project a reality.”
Lee Adams, Chief Commercial Officer at Enviromena, added: “We’re incredibly proud to see Medebridge go live. It’s our largest and most complex project to date and a major step forward in the UK’s net-zero journey.
“By securing a long-term commitment with a top-tier academic institution, this project proves how large-scale renewables and corporate sustainability can align to deliver real impact.”
EDF, Britain’s largest buyer of renewable electricity, is playing a key role in delivering and running the agreement that enables renewable electricity from Enviromena to power The University of Manchester. As part of this CPPA, EDF takes the variable output from the solar farm and turns it into steady, predictable blocks of power before adding it to the University’s energy supply contract. This ensures a smooth and reliable supply of renewable electricity, while delivering the transparency, reliability and carbon savings the University expects from a major renewable energy initiative.
Tom Abbott, PPA Director at EDF, said: “We’re proud to help The University of Manchester turn its sustainability ambitions into reality. By bringing power from Medebridge Solar Farm through this tailored CPPA, we’re showing how smart partnerships can unlock big wins for decarbonisation. Our balancing, shaping, and sleeving services mean the University gets dependable clean power – and a clear path towards its net zero goals.”
Learn more at www.manchester.ac.uk.
For more renewable energy stories, visit: https://essmag.co.uk/category/renewable-energy/
