In 2024, Manchester City Council launched a public procurement initiative to identify a long-term renewable energy solution in support of its ambitious carbon reduction goals. The programme was designed to strengthen the Council’s approach to sustainable energy sourcing and reduce exposure to conventional energy markets.
Case Study
Manchester City Council
In 2024, AGR participated and won a public procurement contract led by the Manchester City Council seeking a 15-year Virtual Power Purchase Agreement from renewable sources to optimise their energy procurement and reduce carbon footprint.
Technology
Solar
Date
2026
Partners
Project Overview
As part of this initiative, the Council sought to secure a 15-year Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA), enabling more efficient energy procurement while accelerating progress towards its 2030 Carbon Action Plan.
Results
Start Date
2026
Carbon Emission Reduction
20,000
Contract Length (years)
15
Off-Take Volume
35 GWh
Energy Supply Solution
Under the agreement, Manchester City Council will purchase electricity at a fixed price from AGR’s Bicker Fen Solar Farm, located in Lincolnshire, with the contract scheduled to commence in 2026 and run for a 15-year term. The renewable energy supplied through this virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) is expected to meet the majority of the council’s electricity demand, supporting a wide range of essential public services and infrastructure.
This includes powering municipal buildings, maintaining street lighting networks, and supporting the operation and expansion of electric vehicle fleets. By securing a long-term pricing arrangement while sourcing clean, renewable energy, the council not only strengthens cost predictability and budget stability but also makes a significant contribution to its environmental sustainability objectives and broader decarbonisation strategy.
This agreement represents a significant milestone in Manchester’s journey toward achieving its 2030 carbon reduction targets, marking a major step forward in the city’s broader climate strategy.
Beyond its clear environmental benefits, the contract also delivers meaningful social value by embedding community support into the structure of the partnership. As part of its commitment, AGR will support We Love MCR Charity, with a specific focus on contributing to its “Rising Stars Fund,” an initiative dedicated to empowering and creating opportunities for young people across the city. This dual-impact approach, combining the provision of renewable energy with targeted community investment ensures that the partnership extends its benefits beyond emissions reduction, fostering both environmental progress and positive social outcomes for Manchester’s residents.