The event, held on-site near South Ockendon, welcomed representatives from key partners on the project, including The University of Manchester, EDF and Inspired PLC, for a site tour, stakeholder speeches and a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony.
From 1st September, Medebridge began generating renewable electricity supported by a landmark Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) with The University of Manchester.
The 71MWp site is forecast to generate around 72,500 MWh of clean electricity annually and in its first month alone delivered over 7,000 MWh of clean energy. That early output marks a strong start in supporting the University’s journey towards greater sustainability and energy resilience.
The project is underpinned by a 10-year CPPA – the largest of its kind with a UK educational institution – providing 65% of the University of Manchester’s electricity needs and reducing its carbon footprint by 12,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year.
Chris Marsh, CEO of Enviromena, said: “The official launch of Medebridge is a proud moment for everyone involved. From initial acquisition to full energisation, this has been a flagship project for us in every sense.
“The collaboration with the University of Manchester, EDF and Inspired has been exemplary and it shows what’s possible when ambitious organisations come together with a shared purpose.
“Medebridge represents the future of corporate sustainability, and we’re incredibly pleased to be a driving force behind it.”
Dr Julian Skyrme, Executive Director for Social Responsibility at The University of Manchester, said: “I’m incredibly proud to attend the launch of the Medebridge Solar Farm and to celebrate this important milestone. We all share a responsibility to create a greener future for ourselves, our communities, and our planet, and this collaboration between the University, Enviromena, Inspired, and EDF demonstrates the real impact we can achieve when we work together.
“At The University of Manchester, we are committed to cutting our carbon footprint, boosting our energy resilience, and supporting the UK’s transition to net zero and Medebridge a powerful example of how we can do this and lead the way toward a more sustainable future.”
Tom Abbott, PPA Director, EDF Wholesale Market Services said: “We’re proud to have worked with The University of Manchester and Enviromena to help the University 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.”
Hal Chapman-Daws, Account Manager at Inspired, the UK’s leading energy and sustainability advisor, said: “This is the culmination of years of meticulous contract negotiations and support our technical experts have provided, so we are delighted for the project to have reached this point and to finally see the Medebridge solar farm officially launch.
“The launch of Medebridge Solar Farm and integration of a CPPA marks a major milestone in our ongoing partnership with The University of Manchester. Integrating the CPPA into their wider strategy ensures lasting value, sustainable growth, and benefits that extend across all services. We look forward to continuing powering our partnership with The University of Manchester and Enviromena alike.”
Jim Vasey, Major Connections Manager for UK Power Networks said: “We were delighted to connect this landmark green project to the electricity grid, and our team delivered on time and on budget.”
As part of its long-term sustainability commitment, Enviromena will manage the Medebridge site throughout its operational life, including full operations, maintenance and asset management services.
In addition to the clean energy generated, the site will also deliver significant biodiversity benefits through hedgerow enhancements and the planting of native wildflower meadows.
This launch marks another key milestone in Enviromena’s growing portfolio, with over 400MWp currently under management and more than 3GW of solar and battery storage projects in active development across the UK and Europe.
