The University of Manchester has entered into a 10-year corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) with the 71 MW Medebridge Solar Farm in Essex, England, marking the largest such agreement by a UK educational institution to date. The deal, effective from September 1, 2025, covers 80% of the solar farm’s electricity generation, with the remaining 20% to be traded on the open market with support from EDF.

Enviromena has energized its 71 MW Medebridge Solar Farm and secured a 10-year CPPA covering 80% of generation.

Enviromena, the project’s developer, has completed and energized the Medebridge Solar Farm. Based in Reading, near London, Enviromena manages over 400 MW of renewable energy assets and has a 3 GW project pipeline across the UK and Italy. The company will operate and maintain the solar farm throughout its 40-year lifespan. Enviromena’s Chief Operating Officer, Gary Hales, stated: “Delivering a project of this scale without a single health and safety incident, and at such a pace, is testament to the expertise and dedication of our team.”

Under the CPPA, EDF serves as the balancing and shaping partner, managing discrepancies between forecasted and actual energy output. EDF will also convert the solar farm’s generation into a consistent baseload power supply for the University of Manchester’s energy contract. The agreement is expected to meet 65% of the university’s electricity needs, supporting its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. Energy consultancy Inspired PLC provided guidance to the university during the negotiation process.

Tom Abbott, PPA Director at EDF, highlighted the collaboration’s impact, saying: “Our balancing, shaping, and sleeving services mean the university gets dependable clean power – and a clear path towards its net zero goals.” The partnership demonstrates how strategic agreements can advance sustainable energy solutions while ensuring reliable power delivery.

The Medebridge Solar Farm, developed entirely by Enviromena’s in-house teams, underscores the company’s expertise in delivering large-scale renewable projects. The initiative aligns with the UK’s broader push for clean energy and supports the University of Manchester’s sustainability goals. By securing a significant portion of its electricity from renewable sources, the university is taking a substantial step toward reducing its carbon footprint.

This CPPA reflects a growing trend of institutions partnering with renewable energy providers to meet environmental and operational objectives. The Medebridge Solar Farm is poised to contribute to both local energy needs and the UK’s renewable energy landscape, fostering sustainable development through innovative energy solutions.