Centrica Business Solutions has joined forces with Gressingham Foods, a renowned luxury poultry supplier, to advance its decarbonization efforts and unlock substantial energy savings through the installation of a 3.27 MW solar array at its Redgrave, Suffolk facility.
This initiative will see the installation of a 5,100-panel solar array at Gressingham Foods’ primary food processing site, designed to meet over 25% of the company’s total energy needs—equivalent to the energy consumption of 111 homes. The project is slated to begin in March and is expected to be fully operational by September 2025.
The solar array will significantly contribute to Gressingham Foods’ sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions by over 670 tonnes in its first year of operation. The chosen site, located on the original Gressingham duck farmland, is an ideal location due to its low agricultural land grading. This makes it a perfect area for the solar installation, which will sustainably repurpose the space.
As part of a flexible Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Gressingham Foods will purchase the energy produced by the solar array from Centrica Business Solutions for the next 12 years, without any upfront capital costs. During this period, Centrica will own and manage the solar installation, ensuring it operates at peak performance throughout the agreement’s duration.
Dr. Jean-Yves Cherruault, Head of Business Development at Centrica Business Solutions, emphasized the dual benefits of renewable energy: “Investing in solar energy is not just an environmental commitment; it is a strategic investment in long-term cost savings. By utilizing renewable sources, businesses can lower energy bills, enhance energy resilience, and significantly reduce their carbon footprint.”
The project has also been carefully planned with environmental preservation in mind. Centrica Business Solutions and Gressingham Foods collaborated on rigorous testing to protect local wildlife and ensure that the installation has a positive impact on the surrounding community and ecosystem.
Fiona Wilson, Senior Group Risk Advisor at Gressingham Foods, praised the partnership, stating: “Our collaboration with Centrica Business Solutions has played a pivotal role in reducing our carbon footprint and supporting our broader sustainability objectives. This solar installation will provide a substantial portion of our energy, helping us to decrease our reliance on conventional energy sources.”
Looking ahead, the partnership will expand as Gressingham Foods plans to introduce electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Wilson added: “The flexibility of our ongoing partnership with Centrica has enabled us to decarbonize our operations far beyond our initial expectations.”
In recognition of the project’s significance, Sarah Jones, Minister of State for Industry, highlighted its innovative nature: “Partnerships like this between Centrica Business Solutions and Gressingham Foods set a powerful example. By embracing solar energy, this initiative not only reduces carbon emissions but also strengthens energy security within the food industry. It’s a prime example of how businesses can lead the way in sustainability.”
The solar installation forms part of Centrica Business Solutions’ broader commitment to delivering flexible and scalable energy solutions for businesses. Additionally, Centrica has allocated £130,000 in funding to strengthen the energy supply at Gressingham Foods’ site, further fortifying its green energy infrastructure and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project.
With this partnership, Gressingham Foods is well-positioned to enhance its eco-friendly credentials, demonstrating that strategic investments in renewable energy can drive both environmental and financial benefits for businesses.
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