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Farm Tech
14th October 2026
Author: Aleksandra Cupriak

A floating solar project in Suffolk, designed to power a hydroponic glasshouse growing tomatoes, has been recognised for its scale and innovative approach to renewable energy.
Renewable energy company East Green Energy’s project at Suffolk Fresh was named ‘Commercial Project of the Year’ at the Solar & Storage Live Awards. 
The award recognises the company’s 750 kWp floating solar installation in Great Blakenham, near Ipswich. Around 1,250 solar panels now cover 3,500 square metres of reservoir, generating renewable electricity for Suffolk Fresh’s pioneering 8.4‑hectare semi‑closed hydroponic glasshouse. 
In its first ten months, the system has already delivered around 20% of the nursery’s electricity requirements, generating almost 500 MWh of clean power, with around 95% used directly on site. 
Jack Gawthrop, commercial manager at East Green Energy, said: “This is a huge moment for East Green Energy, and we couldn’t be prouder. To win ‘Commercial Project of the Year’ at one of the biggest awards in our industry means a great deal to all of us. 
“We’ve always believed in the potential of this project, and to see it recognised nationally is something really special. It shows that innovative renewable energy schemes of this scale are being designed and delivered right here in Suffolk.” 
Suffolk Fresh, based near Ipswich, operates an 8.4-hectare semi-closed hydroponic glasshouse growing tomatoes. 
The partnership explained that rather than taking up valuable agricultural land, the solar array makes productive use of an existing reservoir, demonstrating how floating solar can unlock new opportunities for clean energy generation. 
The semi-closed hydroponic growing system allows temperature, humidity and airflow to be carefully controlled, creating consistent growing conditions throughout the year.  
Unlike conventional glasshouses, which rely more heavily on natural ventilation, semi-closed systems recirculate and regulate the air to help improve growing efficiency. The tomatoes are grown without soil, receiving water and nutrients through a managed irrigation system. 
In November 2025, East Green Energy completed a 750 kWp floating solar installation on Suffolk Fresh’s irrigation reservoir, comprising approximately 1,250 panels covering 3,500 square metres.  
The installation is expected to reduce the business’s reliance on imported electricity by at least 20%, helping offset the considerable energy demands of the glasshouse. We don’t currently have a confirmed figure for the site’s total annual electricity consumption. 
The glasshouse collects rainwater from its roof, which is stored in a purpose-built reservoir with a reported capacity of 61 million litres. The water is treated before being used for irrigation, with water recirculated through the growing system to help minimise waste.  
This is also the reservoir on which the floating solar panels have been installed, allowing the same infrastructure to support both food production and renewable electricity generation.  
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