Solar farm

Since September 2025, the University has powered campus with clean, renewable electricity from a major new solar farm, marking a key milestone in our goal of becoming zero carbon by 2038.

The energisation of Medebridge, located in Ockendon, Essex, means that up to 65% of our electricity demand is met from exclusive 'new-to-earth' renewable infrastructure.

Developed in partnership with leading UK clean energy firm Enviromena, the project is part of a ten-year , facilitated by EDF and supported by energy and sustainability advisor Inspired PLC. It is the UK's largest solar CPPA with an educational institution.

This development represents the University's long-term commitment to sustainability and energy resilience.

The construction of Medebridge commenced in April 2024. Comprising around 104,000 solar panels across 175 acres (roughly the size of 70 football pitches), the site will generate more than 72GWh 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.

The site will also create a significant biodiversity net gain, with enhancements to the existing hedgerows and planting of native grassland and wildflower meadow beneath and around the solar arrays encouraging nesting opportunities for wildlife and improved habitat connectivity.

Sunflower Trail Project

The University's Environmental Sustainability Team is inviting members of the community to take part in The Sunflower Trail Project.

Organised in partnership with Professor Jennifer O'Brien and Ardwick Climate Action, the project will populate our campus with sunflowers in late August and early September to celebrate the solar farm. Alongside the trail, members of the community will also be encouraged to grow the flowers at home and submit their experiences around this to be featured on our social media channels.

Not only are sunflowers a symbol of light and of growth, they are also deeply connected to our history through mathematician Alan Turing's project studying the spiral in the head of the flower. With this in mind, whether it is images, artwork or creative pieces, we are welcoming all submissions that celebrate the flower and what it represents as we move into a greener and more sustainable future.

Please email es@manchester.ac.uk for further information around this initiative.