Enviromena has started construction of the Longpasture Solar Farm in County Durham, UK, marking a major milestone for the company’s second-largest UK project to date. The company acquired the project from Bluefield Solar and Lightrock Power last summer, with energisation targeted for autumn 2027.
Once operational, Longpasture is expected to become one of the largest solar farms in northern England. The project will generate homegrown renewable electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of around 14,000 homes, supporting the UK’s efforts to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and strengthen energy security.
Longpasture Solar Farm to Deliver Ecological Benefits
In addition to renewable power generation, the project includes a range of ecological enhancements designed to deliver benefits for local biodiversity and nature.
The development will also provide a £100,000 community benefit fund to support organisations and initiatives in surrounding communities.
Of the total fund, £80,000 will be administered by Point North, the official community foundation for County Durham and Tees Valley, through an application process for local groups.
A further £20,000 will support smaller organisations and grassroots initiatives, including sports clubs across the North East, with some funding already allocated.
Enviromena Highlights Community Investment
Lee Adams, Chief Commercial Officer at Enviromena, said the company aims to ensure that the benefits of Longpasture extend beyond renewable electricity generation.
He said the community fund would provide direct support to local organisations and grassroots groups while the solar farm contributes to the UK’s renewable energy transition and energy security.
Bluefield Solar and Lightrock Power also welcomed the delivery of their initial commitment to the community fund, highlighting its potential to support local organisations, projects and residents.
Point North will manage the community benefit fund, with CEO Michelle Cooper emphasising the importance of involving local communities in determining how the funding is allocated.
The Longpasture project is expected to combine large-scale renewable energy generation, ecological improvements and community investment as it progresses toward energisation in autumn 2027.
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