Enviromena is proud to announce that Medebridge Solar Farm has been shortlisted in the “Renewable Energy Project of the Year” category at the 2025 UK Green Business Awards, recognising excellence in clean energy innovation and sustainability.
Located in Essex and scheduled for energisation later this year, the 71MWp Medebridge Solar Farm is a flagship project that exemplifies the future of large-scale renewable energy in the UK.
The project will generate 72,500 MWh of clean electricity annually which is the equivalent energy usage of over 26,000 homes. The solar farm will avoid over 14,000 tonnes of CO2e annually compared to other non-renewable forms of energy generation.
A defining feature of the project is its landmark 10-year Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (cPPA) with the University of Manchester, under which the university will source 65% of its electricity needs from Medebridge. This partnership is expected to reduce the university’s carbon footprint by 12,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year.
Chris Marsh, CEO of Enviromena, commented on the shortlisting: “We’re delighted that Medebridge has been recognised in the UK Green Business Energy Awards as a finalist in the Renewable Energy Project of the Year category.”
“The Medebridge project is testament to Enviromena’s determination to deliver truly impactful renewable infrastructure while overcoming significant legal, planning and engineering hurdles.”
“From complex negotiations with national infrastructure projects to a major cPPA with the University of Manchester, this project has showcased the experience and capability right across the business.”
“We’re proud to support the University in their journey to net zero and would also like to acknowledge Close Brothers for their vital role in financing and enabling the project.”
The cPPA was also celebrated by the University of Manchester. Lee Barlow, Finance and Administration Manager at the university, said: “This collaboration has raised the bar for partnerships within industry.
“Demonstrating professionalism and a strong commitment to shared principles, Enviromena have shown from day one that they are highly attuned to our institutional social responsibility values and long-term sustainability vision.”
Medebridge Solar Farm has been lauded for its stakeholder engagement, biodiversity integration, and robust environmental protection measures.
The site includes habitat areas to benefit a number of species including small mammals, brown hare, hedgehogs, bats and reptiles while also providing good feeding resources for a variety of farmland birds including skylarks. A detailed construction environmental management plan (CEMP) is being followed and this includes thorough access procedures related to construction traffic movements through neighbouring busy operational premises.
Once energised later in 2025, Medebridge will become a powerful symbol of the UK’s transition to a net-zero future—driving real-world carbon savings, energy security and environmental stewardship.
