TLT completes trailblazing virtual Power Purchase Agreement for AGR Power with Manchester City Council

National law firm TLT has advised renewable energy and sustainable agriculture developer AGR Power on a landmark 15-year virtual Power Purchase Agreement (vPPA) with Manchester City Council. 

As well as demonstrating the key role TLT is playing in advancing the UK’s net-zero targets by supporting the decarbonisation of the UK’s second largest city, the announcement also underscores the firm’s expertise in the corporate PPA market and the clean energy sector.

Manchester City Council is one of the first local authorities in the UK to embrace a vPPA for renewable energy, allowing it to cut greenhouse gas emissions and providing it with long-term electricity price certainty. 

The agreement provides for the generation of 35 GWh of electricity annually from AGR’s new solar farm development Bicker Fen located near Boston in Lincolnshire, which is due to enter into commercial operations in Q2 2025. The vPPA will support the majority of the council’s electricity needs, powering buildings, street lights and electric vehicles. As part of the agreement, AGR has committed to supporting local communities in Manchester, including supporting the We Love MCR charity. 

The team advising AGR on their negotiation of and entry into the VPPA was led by banking and future energy partner Michael Kruger with support from legal director Stuart Urquhart and senior associate Winnie Ma. 

Michael Kruger, partner in TLT’s banking (future energy) team said: “This first-of-its-kind transaction is a powerful example of how privately-owned renewable energy companies can work together with local authorities to achieve common environmental and social goals. It was an absolute pleasure to support AGR on this deal and to help Manchester on its journey to a greener and carbon-free future, aligning with TLT’s own commitments to get to net-zero by 2040.” 

Oliver Breidt, founder and director of AGR said: “We are incredibly proud to work with Manchester City Council on a landmark agreement to support the city’s decarbonisation and providing support to local communities. TLT’s knowledge of the intricacies of PPA Agreements, alongside its understanding of the clean energy sector allowed us to work hand-in-hand to successfully complete this complex deal. We were grateful for the team’s technical advice and guidance every step of the way.” 

The announcement follows TLT’s head of future energy and real estate Maria Connolly being named a Green Ambassador by Legal 500 and TLT being included in the Legal 500 2025 Green Guide ranking for the third year in a row. These prestigious accolades recognise Maria and TLT’s instrumental role in advancing green initiatives and championing sustainable practices across industries. 

It also follows a year in which TLT has seen significant growth in its future energy capabilities, welcoming six new partners and bringing the total number of dedicated lawyers in the team to 120 – representing approximately 20% of firmwide lawyer headcount.