Landmark Renewable Energy Deal Signed Between Blackfinch Energy, ENGIE, and Unite Students

Strategic Insights -

ENGIE UK and Blackfinch Energy, part of the Blackfinch Group, have signed a five-year renewable energy power purchase agreement (PPA) with Unite Students, the UK's largest provider of student accommodation. The deal guarantees up to a third of Unite Students' annual electricity needs from renewable energy, starting in October 2026. ENGIE will supply 28 gigawatt hours (GWh) per year of clean solar power from Blackfinch Energy's Three Maids Solar Farm in Hampshire. This agreement reinforces Unite Students' commitment to sourcing all of its electricity from credible, renewable energy sources, with the goal of achieving 100% renewable energy sourcing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The five-year power purchase agreement (PPA) between Blackfinch Energy, ENGIE, and Unite Students will provide up to a third of Unite Students' annual electricity needs from renewable energy.
  • ENGIE will supply 28 GWh of clean solar power annually from Blackfinch Energy's Three Maids Solar Farm in Hampshire, starting in October 2026.
  • Unite Students is targeting 100% renewable energy sourcing, with the current profile being 99.9% renewable.
  • The PPA with Blackfinch Energy provides longer-term price certainty for both Blackfinch Energy and Unite Students.
  • The partnership marks the first step in delivering on Unite Students' decarbonisation goals.
  • ENGIE's Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) partnerships aim to simplify the market, making asset-specific green supply products more accessible.
  • Blackfinch Energy's portfolio stands at 144 MW of installed capacity (operational, under construction, and development) across over 70 individual installations and 21 project companies.
  • Blackfinch Group has over £900 million in assets under management (as of September 2025).

Statistics:

  • 28 GWh of clean solar power will be supplied annually by ENGIE to Unite Students from October 2026.
  • Unite Students is aiming to achieve 100% renewable energy sourcing.
  • 99.9% of Unite Students' electricity is currently sourced from renewable energy.
  • Blackfinch Energy's portfolio consists of 144 MW of installed capacity across 70 individual installations and 21 project companies.
  • Blackfinch Group manages assets worth over £900 million (as of September 2025).

Sources:

  • ENGIE UK
  • Blackfinch Energy
  • Unite Students
  • Blackfinch Group
  • ENGIE Press Release dated September 11
  • ENGIE's corporate website www.engie.com
  • Unite Students' corporate website www.unitegroup.com