Teesside Airport targets net zero with renewable energy deal
A new electricity contract with North East firm 121 Business Links will provide the airport with 100% renewable energy.
This initiative represents a major step toward the airport’s goal of becoming the UK’s first operationally net zero airport by 2030.
Other efforts towards this target include plans to utilise solar power and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Willis Sustainable Fuels (UK) Limited aims to establish a power-to-liquid SAF refinery in the region for aircraft fuel.
Moreover, planning permission has been requested for a hydrogen refuelling station near the former St George Hotel, in collaboration with Element 2.
The Tees Valley Combined Authority, the majority shareholder of the airport, signed a memorandum of understanding with energy giant SSE last year to deliver green projects across the region in the next decade.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It’s great to have a North East firm in 121 Business Links joining forces with our airport.
“This will work to reduce our energy bills at our airport which is fantastic because we can invest that back into our people, into more flights, and into expanding the airport’s business park.
“Providing 100 per cent renewable energy is a big positive for businesses at our airport looking at their carbon footprints – and it fits hand in glove into the work we’re doing to make Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool the heart of net zero industries through Net Zero Teesside, SAF, and our hydrogen push.”
Chris Bones, director of 121 Business Links, said: “The purpose of our business is to work with our partners and clients to understand their environmental and energy goals, which was the first step in developing this partnership with Teesside International Airport.
“After understanding the requirements and following the tender process, we procured green and cost-effective electricity contracts to help them achieve their net zero targets.
“We are very excited to work with Teesside International Airport and look forward to further enhancing this relationship over the coming years.”
Phil Forster, managing director of Teesside Airport, said: “This agreement secures green, renewable energy at the airport for two years which marks a big step forward in green ambitions.”