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.
Press Contacts
Environmena – for more information contact Sam Pither at leepeckmedia
sam@leepeckmedia: Tel: 07868897391
Bluefield Solar – for more information contact Burson Buchanan: Henry Harrison-Topham / Henry Wilson Tel: +44 (0) 20 7466 5000 or BSIF@buchanan.uk.com
About Bluefield Solar
Bluefield Solar Income Fund Limited (“Bluefield Solar” or “BSIF”) is a London listed income fund (LON: BSIF) focused primarily on acquiring and managing solar energy assets. Not less than 75% of the Company's gross assets will be invested into UK solar assets. The Company can also invest up to 25% of its gross assets into other technologies, such as wind and storage. Bluefield Solar owns and operates a UK portfolio of 883MW, comprising 824.6MW of solar and 58.3MW of onshore wind. Further information can be viewed at www.bluefieldsif.com
About Bluefield Partners
Bluefield Partners LLP was established in 2009 and is an investment adviser to companies and funds investing in renewable energy infrastructure. It has a proven record in the selection, acquisition and supervision of large-scale energy assets in the UK and Europe. The team has been involved in over £6.3 billion renewable funds and/or transactions in both the UK and Europe, including over £1.9 billion in the UK since December 2011.
Bluefield Partners LLP has led the acquisitions of, and currently advises on, over 100 UK based solar photovoltaic assets that are agriculturally, commercially or industrially situated. Based in its London office, it is supported by a dedicated and experienced team of investment, legal and portfolio executives. Bluefield Partners LLP was appointed Investment Adviser to Bluefield Solar in June 2013.
Longpasture Community Benefit Fund
Bluefield, Lightrock Power, and Enviromena have announced the establishment of a £100,000 Community Benefit Fund to support local priorities surrounding the Longpasture solar project. Backed by a binding commitment, the fund will be administered by the Point North Community Foundation - an independent grant maker with a mission to enrich lives and fight poverty.
The fund will be activated upon the project reaching commercial operations, expected in Q3 2027, and is designed to deliver long-term value to the surrounding community. It could support initiatives that enhance local wellbeing, environmental resilience, and community infrastructure.
