The project received approval from the relevant planning authorities; Boston and South Holland on Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th July 2023, respectively, marking an important milestone in its development timeline and enabling it to progress toward delivery.
Case Study
Fenland Greenhouse
AGR expanded into the agricultural sector through the development of a 20-hectare sustainable greenhouse complex, broadening its renewable energy expertise into controlled-environment food production. The facility was designed around an efficient and resilient energy system, primarily powered by water-sourced heat pumps and combined heat and power (CHP) gas engines, which provide both electricity and usable heat for greenhouse operations.
Technology
Chip
Date
2022
Partners
Project Overview
This ambitious initiative comprises a large-scale solar installation with a maximum export capacity of 49.9MW, paired with a 50MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), designed to optimise the capture, storage, and dispatch of renewable electricity.
By combining solar generation with advanced storage technology, the project is structured to enhance grid stability, reduce intermittency challenges, and provide more flexible, responsive energy supply during periods of peak demand or low generation. The integration of these technologies also allows for greater utilisation of renewable power that might otherwise be curtailed, improving overall system efficiency. In doing so, the development is expected to make a meaningful contribution to reducing carbon emissions, supporting the UK’s broader decarbonisation targets, and strengthening the resilience of the local energy network while advancing the transition toward a more sustainable energy system.
Results
Reduction in total downtime
18%
Increase in delivery capacity
12%
CAPEX GBP
55m
Homes powered
14k
The Fenland Greenhouse project represents a major step forward in combining renewable energy with large-scale agriculture in the UK. Developed by AGR Group, the project was completed in 2022 in Cambridgeshire as a greenfield development. It spans over 60 hectares, making it one of the largest sustainable greenhouse facilities in the country.
The facility was designed to produce over 2.5 million cucumbers per week, representing more than 10% of the UK’s annual consumption, and therefore plays a significant role in strengthening domestic food production while reducing reliance on imports.
Beyond its agricultural output, the project also marks AGR’s strategic expansion into the sustainable agriculture sector, demonstrating how advanced energy infrastructure can be directly integrated with food production systems. By aligning efficient, low-carbon energy solutions with large-scale greenhouse operations, the development highlights the potential to simultaneously support national food security and contribute to broader decarbonisation objectives.
“We saw the Fenland Greenhouse as an opportunity to redefine how energy and agriculture can work together. This project demonstrates that large-scale food production can be both sustainable and highly efficient, without compromising on output. By integrating advanced heat pump technology, CHP systems, and smart infrastructure, we’ve created a model that supports both energy security and domestic food supply.”Oliver Breidt Founder of AGR Power
Environmentally, the greenhouse has been designed to significantly improve efficiency and reduce emissions, achieving an estimated carbon reduction of nearly 60% compared to traditional horticultural systems. This performance is enabled through advanced heat recovery processes and an integrated energy design that maximises resource efficiency while minimising waste.
Beyond its technical innovation, the Fenland Greenhouse delivers substantial economic and environmental benefits. The project required an investment of approximately £85 million and supported the local economy by creating over 300 seasonal jobs across both the construction and operational phases. These roles contributed to regional employment and helped stimulate local supply chains, reinforcing the broader economic impact of the development.
The project was delivered in partnership with Greencoat Capital, which provided the financing, while AGR continues to manage the asset on an ongoing basis. This collaboration reflects the increasing involvement of institutional investors in sustainable infrastructure, supporting the deployment of large-scale, low-carbon developments. Overall, the Fenland Greenhouse demonstrates how innovative engineering, combined with effective cross-sector collaboration, can deliver scalable solutions that address both climate change and food security challenges. In doing so, it sets a benchmark for future developments in sustainable agriculture and highlights the potential for integrated energy and food production systems to drive long-term environmental and economic value.