Premier Foods has installed a new solar energy farm at its Carlton Bakery in Barnsley as part of a £2.1m investment to power cake production and cut carbon emissions at the site.

The new 2.2MW solar farm, which spans 2.9 hectares and features 3,500 panels, has been built on vacant land within the site and is due to become fully operational next month.

It is understood, at peak generation, it will supply up to three-quarters of the bakery’s electricity needs, powering equipment, lighting and office operations.

The food manufacturing giant said the installation is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 468 tonnes per year and deliver ongoing energy cost savings, boosting the resilience of one of the region’s largest food production facilities.

“Our Carlton Bakery was the largest purpose-built bakery in the world when it opened in the 1970s, and it remains the biggest in the UK,” said Premier Foods ESG director Nick Brown.

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“This investment ensures it’s part of a more sustainable future. By generating more of our energy needs on site, we’re not only reducing our carbon footprint but making our operations even more resilient.”

He added that the site could also export surplus electricity to the local grid, supporting Premier Foods’ Enriching Life Plan to reach net zero.

Carlton Bakery manufacturing director and factory Steve Morton, said: “We’re proud Carlton is playing a part in making food manufacturing more sustainable. The whole team is excited to see the solar panels go live — this is the next really exciting step in its story.”

The project forms part of Premier Foods’ wider solar investment programme, which includes installations at its Stoke and Ashford bakeries.

Last month, Premier Foods injected £19m into its Ambrosia factory in Lifton, Devon, to boost capacity in response to strong consumer demand for its porridge pots.