Meet our consortium of industry experts
By bringing together leading researchers, manufacturers and farmers, we’re working to bridge the gap between the UK’s energy companies and our local growers to make the UK a leader in sustainable ag-tech practices.
The experts behind the growth
Bridging the gap between farmers, industry, and research to redefine the future of farming.
Dr Henry Birt
Project manager and lead agricultural scientist. Dr Henry Birt’s research often involves the relationship between plants, soil and microbes. He initiated the Green Light Project after noticing a problem with the way renewable energy was distributed, and an opportunity to convert unused resources into sustainable agricultural practices.
The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is the project’s primary research partner, with key collaborations with Dr. Joshua Lynn and Prof. Bruce Grieve. Prof. Bruce Grieve brings his knowledge in agricultural electronics and project commercialisation. Dr. Josh Lynn is an expert in plant biology and ecology, specialising in aspects that limit plant growth.
Leading Edge Developments
Leading Edge Developments LTD is a family-run LED lighting company based in Congleton, Cheshire. Established in 2003, we bring over 40 years of experience to the design and manufacture of bespoke, energy-efficient LED lighting solutions.
CroBio
CroBio is a soil regeneration company
using biotechnology to prevent
crop loss from drought conditions. As Dr Henry Birt’s current place of work and industry experts in innovations in agriculture.
Our grow partners
North West based farmers have joined The Green Light Project with a goal to make a positive impact on the UK’s food security.
Forshaws Salad
Family run for over 50 years. Suppliers of Hot House Lettuce (flat and crisp) and continental lettuce (Lollo Rossa, Oak Leaf, Lollo Biondi, Batavia and Multi Leaf)
Supplied to major multiples, Catering suppliers and wholesale markets.
Forshaws aim to deliver the best produce, grown in a sustainable way.
CountryFresh
Growing since 1952 – JC’s Country Fresh Produce is a family run business providing fresh, quality produce to local supermarket chains and to leading provincial markets around the UK. Country Fresh Produce in excess of 18 acres of glasshouse on site.
Each glasshouse is equipped with the latest irrigation technology and frost protection heating systems allow for continued cropping 12 months of the year.
FAQs
Why did you start the Green Light Project?
We started the Green Light Project to bridge the gap between two UK challenges: the waste of £500 million in surplus wind energy and the rising costs for local food producers. Our goal is to use that excess clean power to fuel sustainable, year-round British farming.
How does the Green Light Project work?
We work with energy companies to use smart technology to monitor the National Grid for times when wind power is oversupplied. When this happens, we automatically redirect that “surplus” energy into industrial greenhouses to power high-efficiency LED grow lights.
What benefits could The Green Light Project have?
It reduces the hundreds of millions of pounds currently wasted on energy “curtailment” while lowering production costs for British farmers. Ultimately, this means better food security for the UK and a more efficient, carbon-neutral energy grid.
How can I get involved?
We are currently in the trial phase, but you can support us by following our progress online and choosing British-grown produce at your local shop. If you are a grower or energy stakeholder interested in our blueprint, please reach out via our contact page.
The Green Light Project 