Manchester University Takes Bold Step Toward Net-Zero with Solar Farm Activation

Medebridge Solar Farm Goes Live, Supplying 65% of Manchester’s Campus Electricity

In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, the University of Manchester has reportedly announced plans to power a large portion of its campus using clean, renewable electricity. The initiative has been described by university officials as a landmark step in their journey to become a zero-carbon institution by 2038. Central to this effort is the energisation of the Medebridge solar farm in Ockendon, Essex, which is expected to meet up to 65% of the University’s electricity demand through dedicated renewable infrastructure.

The project is being developed in collaboration with UK clean energy firm Enviromena and delivered via a 10-year Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA), facilitated by EDF and supported by Inspired PLC. It has been presented as the largest solar CPPA undertaken with an educational institution in the UK. University representatives have indicated that this partnership reinforces their long-term commitment to sustainability and energy resilience. Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility, is understood to have called the agreement a pivotal moment in the University’s carbon reduction strategy. He reportedly emphasised that universities must lead not only through teaching and research in renewable energy, but also by modelling practical solutions to the climate crisis. Referring to Manchester’s global standing, he noted that the University consistently ranks in the global top ten of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for its social and environmental contributions.

Lee Adams, Chief Commercial Officer at Enviromena, has stated that the Medebridge project—featuring approximately 104,000 solar panels across 175 acres- is the company’s most ambitious development to date. He suggested that the long-term partnership with a leading UK university demonstrates how large-scale renewables can align effectively with both corporate and educational sustainability goals. According to reports, once fully operational, the site is expected to generate over 72 GWh of electricity annually, with 80% of that output purchased directly by the University. This would result in a reduction of approximately 12,000 tonnes of CO₂e emissions per year, equivalent to powering around 21,000 homes. In addition, enhancements to hedgerows, native grasslands, and wildflower meadows surrounding the solar arrays are anticipated to deliver a biodiversity net gain, illustrating how energy infrastructure can coexist with eco-friendly campus initiatives.

Inspired PLC has confirmed its involvement from contract negotiation through to grid connection. Its managing director, Richard Sullivan, has remarked that CPPAs are increasingly recognised as essential tools for achieving carbon reduction across the education sector. EDF, meanwhile, has highlighted its role in managing the variable output of the solar farm and converting it into reliable supply blocks. The University has clarified that its partnership with Inspired will continue until 2030, strengthening its long-term energy strategy. In parallel, it has already implemented several green technologies on campus, including fossil fuel divestment, zero-carbon buildings, and sustainability measures such as waste recycling and peat-free composting.

Leadership at the institution has also pointed out that sustainability is becoming integral to the future of university campuses, not only in terms of energy use but also in areas such as sustainable student accommodation and broader development goals. This direction, they noted, aligns with international climate targets and the evolving expectations of UK study programmes, particularly among international students. The University of Manchester has been repeatedly recognised for its societal and environmental contributions. Its latest ranking places it first in the UK and Europe, and second globally. Furthermore, it has been selected to lead a pioneering UN-backed initiative aimed at empowering education in the net-zero transition, underscoring its role in shaping global sustainability discourse while enriching the academic experience across undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programmes. As the University accelerates its sustainability agenda, it continues to demonstrate how higher education can lead by example in the global climate transition.

Editor’s Note:

The University of Manchester’s latest clean energy initiative marks a major step forward in how universities can lead by example in the fight against climate change. By partnering with Enviromena, EDF, and Inspired PLC, the University has committed to powering up to 65% of its campus with renewable electricity from the Medebridge solar farm in Essex. This project, which includes over 104,000 solar panels, is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 12,000 tonnes annually, equivalent to the energy needs of around 21,000 homes. The agreement is the largest solar Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) ever signed by a UK university, showing how higher education institutions can combine academic leadership with practical climate action. The University has also extended its partnership with Inspired PLC until 2030, strengthening its long-term energy strategy. Alongside this, Manchester has introduced other green measures such as fossil fuel divestment, zero-carbon buildings, and sustainable campus practices like waste recycling and peat-free composting. These efforts reflect a wider commitment to sustainability across student accommodation, university operations, and international education programmes. The University’s global reputation for social and environmental impact continues to grow. It currently ranks first in the UK and Europe, and second worldwide in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. It has also been selected to lead a UN-backed programme supporting education in the net-zero transition.

Skoobuzz underscores that this initiative demonstrates how universities can play a decisive role in shaping a cleaner and fairer future, not only through innovation and research but also by taking bold, practical action.