UK-based independent power producer Enviromena has acquired Longpasture Solar Farm, a fully consented 49.9MW (AC) project near Darlington, County Durham, from Bluefield Solar, the London-listed income fund, and Lightrock Power.
This latest acquisition continues a successful summer for the company, following the recent acquisitions of the ready to build Steeraway and Rock Farm projects. Together, and once constructed, the three sites will generate enough energy to power over 56,000 homes.
Longpasture benefits from a government-backed Contract for Difference (CfD), providing an index-linked revenue stream for 15 years and, crucially, protecting the forecast grid connection date from ongoing grid reforms process. The project also includes an option to co-locate a 39.7MW battery energy storage system.
The project, which is targeted for completion in late 2027, brings wider benefits beyond the production of clean energy with significant biodiversity enhancements planned and a community benefit fund ringfenced to support local projects and initiatives.
Chris Marsh, CEO of Enviromena, said, “This acquisition keeps our summer momentum firmly on track.
“With CfD support and a defined grid date, Longpasture will deliver reliable, affordable clean power while enhancing local biodiversity, and it fits squarely with our strategy to build, own and operate high-quality utility-scale solar across the UK.”
Neil Wood, Partner at Bluefield Partners LLP, the Investment Adviser to Bluefield Solar, added: “This transaction not only delivers a high-quality solar asset into capable hands, but also reflects the strength of the collaboration between Bluefield Solar, Lightrock Power, and Enviromena.
“As part of the deal, all three partners have made a binding commitment to establish a £100,000 Community Benefit Fund, ensuring that Longpasture delivers lasting value to local people alongside clean energy generation.”
Chris Sowerbutts, one of the founders of Lightrock Power, said, “We’re delighted that the success of the Bluefield/Lightrock partnership continues to deliver high quality projects that are attractive for top tier IPP’s such as Enviromena to build out.”
This latest addition further showcases Enviromena’s capability and funding to transact with leading players in the renewables space. Furthermore, it helps to significantly strengthen Enviromena’s UK pipeline of ready to build assets.
Enviromena has more than 300MWp currently under management and a pipeline exceeding 3GW across the UK and Europe.
