Centrica Business Solutions powers Gressingham Foods into a sustainable future

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Centrica Business Solutions has partnered with luxury poultry supplier, Gressingham Foods, to decarbonise its operation and unlock significant energy savings, with the installation of a 3.27MW solar array.

The energy solutions company will deliver a 5,100 solar panel array to Gressingham Foods’ main food processing site in Redgrave, Suffolk capable of providing more than a quarter of its total energy requirements - enough energy to power 111 homes.

The project will break ground in March and is expected to be fully operational by September 2025.

Once live, the solar project will accelerate the decarbonisation plans of the famous Gressingham Duck producer, by reducing more than 670 tonnes of carbon in the first year alone. The chosen site for the project is part of the original Gressingham duck farmland on the property - with low agricultural land grading, solar represents a great solution to make sustainable use of the space.

The solar project is part of a flexible Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that will see Gressingham Foods purchase the energy generated by the solar installation from Centrica Business Solutions over the next 12 years, with no upfront capital cost to Gressingham Foods. During this period, Centrica Business Solutions will own and maintain the solar site, guaranteeing its optimal performance.

Centrica Business Solutions worked with Gressingham Foods to carry out vigorous environmental testing to protect wildlife from the development and ensure it has a positive impact on the area and local community.

Dr Jean-Yves Cherruault, Head of Business Development Business to Business at Centrica Business Solutions, said: “Investing in solar isn’t just a commitment to sustainability - it’s a strategic move for long-term cost savings. By harnessing renewable energy, businesses can significantly reduce their energy bills, strengthen their energy resilience and lower their carbon emissions.

“We’re committed to working side by side with businesses to create scalable bespoke energy solutions that allow our partners to reach their sustainability goals, as well as reducing their overall energy costs – creating a greener, fairer, future.   

“We will continue to ensure Gressingham Foods maximises the output of its solar system and we will continue to work with them to unlock additional cost and carbon savings”

Fiona Wilson, Senior Group Risk Advisor at Gressingham Foods, said: “Our partnership with Centrica Business Solutions has been instrumental in helping us reduce our overall carbon footprint, aligning with our wider sustainability goals. The solar installation provides a substantial portion of our energy needs, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.

“The next stage in our ongoing partnership with Centrica Business Solutions will see us continue to strengthen our eco credentials as we look to introduce electric vehicles and chargers. The flexibility of our relationship has allowed us to decarbonise our business more than we ever could have imagined.”

Sarah Jones, Minister of State for Industry, said: “Partnerships like this between Centrica Business Solutions and Gressingham Foods are really innovative. 

“By harnessing solar energy, this project not only cuts carbon emissions but strengthens energy security and sustainability in the food sector. It’s a great example of how business can lead the way”

Delivering flexible energy solutions remains a commitment from Centrica Business Solutions to help increase and accelerate the business’ capability to harness renewable energy. As part of this commitment, Centrica Business Solutions has also added funding for an additional £130,000 of supply strengthening work to be carried out at Gressingham Foods – further futureproofing the site and investment in green energy being made.