Big carbon cuts for one of the UK’s leading flour mills

G R Wright & Sons has partnered with East Green Energy to deliver a major renewable energy project that will help the business reduce its substantial production related electricity use and progress toward its commitment to reach net zero by 2050.

Beginning in January 2026, the scheme marks a significant step in lowering the environmental impact of Wrights’ state‑of‑the‑art flour milling operations and aligns with the company’s wider sustainability strategy.

Flour milling is one of the most energy intensive processes in food production, with powerful machinery running continuously for grain cleaning, conditioning, grinding and pneumatic transport. Even in a highly efficient mill, achieving further reductions in energy consumption is a real challenge. Wrights needed a solution capable of offsetting its heavy, year‑round electricity demand without disrupting production.

East Green Energy designed a roof‑mounted solar PV system tailored to the site’s complex operational profile. The 900 kWp installation maximises available roof space and integrates seamlessly with the mill’s continuous processes, delivering reliable clean power directly into the facility. With 99% of generation consumed on site, the system provides significant carbon and cost savings while reducing dependence on grid electricity.

The project delivers strong commercial performance, including a 7% contribution to total site demand, an 18% return on investment and a projected 5.5 year payback period. With such high on‑site use and a system built around the way the mill runs, the installation gives Wrights a clear reduction in carbon and a long‑term cut in grid reliance.

James Wright, Commercial Director at Wrights Flour commented: “East Green Energy have been excellent throughout the installation of our solar array at The Harlow Mill. Their team is professional and a pleasure to work with, and it’s been a genuinely successful partnership from start to finish.”

Jack Gawthrop, Commercial Manager at East Green Energy, said: “Wrights runs one of the most advanced milling operations in the country, and that comes with a serious energy demand. This project shows what’s possible when a business is willing to take a practical, long‑term approach to cutting its carbon footprint. By designing a system that works with the mill’s continuous processes, we’ve delivered real, measurable progress toward their net zero goals.”

East Green Energy Sister business Clearsol continues to support Wrights through with its monitoring, optimisation & panel cleaning creating long‑term system performance management, ensuring the installation delivers maximum benefit throughout its lifecycle.