> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Great Blakenham reservoir solar scheme wins national recognition - URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/great-blakenham-reservoir-solar-scheme-wins-national-recognition/ - Published: 2026-10-13T07:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-13T07:30:57.000Z - Description: Less than a year after construction began on a reservoir near Ipswich, the floating solar project supplying Suffolk Fresh's glasshouse has picked up a top national industry award. - Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams - Tags: News, Business, From the Rooftops, East Green Energy, Suffolk Fresh **Why it matters:** Melton-based East Green Energy's 750kWp floating solar installation at Suffolk Fresh has been named Commercial Project of the Year at the Solar & Storage Live Awards, beating competition from projects across the UK. **The details:** The award was presented at The Vox in Birmingham on 22 September. Around 1,250 solar panels now cover 3,500 square metres of reservoir at Suffolk Fresh's site in Great Blakenham, generating renewable electricity for the nursery's 8.4-hectare semi-closed hydroponic glasshouse. - In its first ten months of operation, the system has delivered around 20% of the nursery's electricity requirements. - It has generated almost 500 MWh of clean power, with around 95% used directly on site. - Rather than taking up agricultural land, the array makes use of an existing reservoir. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/10/55546664417_2396ced5f3_c-1.jpg) East Green Energy at the Solar and Storage Live Awards (Photo: Solar and Storage Live Awards) **What they're saying:** 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." He also thanked project partners: "This award reflects a fantastic team effort, and we are grateful to everyone involved. And of course, a huge thank you to Suffolk Fresh for trusting us with such an ambitious project." **For context:** Ipswich.co.uk reported on the project when construction began in December 2025, as workers installed what was described as the UK's largest solar pontoon. East Green Energy has been working in renewable energy since 2007 and now delivers commercial solar, battery storage and floating solar projects across the UK. [How floating solar panels will power Ipswich’s pioneering nurseryA 750kWp floating solar installation spanning 3,500 square metres is being built at Bramford to supply 20% of the energy needs at Suffolk Fresh’s semi-closed hydroponic glasshouse, demonstrating how renewable technology can support sustainable food production.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/icon/ipswich-icon-97561126-1319-4f7f-a5d0-678ca8ed5cf7.png)Ipswich.co.ukOliver Rouane-Williams![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/thumbnail/1764194203-floating-solar-project-ipswich-2-jpeg-7d6f55be-269c-4152-87c3-e77f417d45d5.jpg)](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/how-floating-solar-panels-will-power-ipswichs-pioneering-nursery/) **The bottom line:** Less than a year after work began, the Suffolk Fresh project has beaten competition from across the UK to take one of the solar industry’s top national awards. --- **Don't forget:** If you enjoy our content, please [add Ipswich.co.uk as a "preferred source" on Google](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=ipswich.co.uk&ref=ipswich.co.uk) so you can easily find more of the content you value. [Add as a preferred source on Google](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=ipswich.co.uk&ref=ipswich.co.uk) --- ### This article cost us \~£27 to produce It's free for you to read thanks to the generous support of our partners. Please support us by supporting them.