New renewable power contract puts airport in prime position to become UK’s first Net Zero site

A new deal has put Teesside Airport in prime position to become the UK’s first operationally Net Zero site before the end of the decade.

The new electricity contract with North East firm 121 Business Links will ensure power to the airport is generated from 100% renewable sources.

It’s another big step towards meeting the ambition to be the UK’s first operationally Net Zero airport by 2030.

Progress is being made on the push at the moment with the airport’s vision for the future includes using solar power generated from the wider site, and use of SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) with Willis Sustainable Fuels (UK) Limited having ambitions to open a Power-to-Liquid SAF refinery in the region for aircraft fuel.

Planning permission has also been lodged for an innovative hydrogen refuelling station on land near the former St George Hotel with leading hydrogen refuelling company Element 2.

The agreement comes after the Tees Valley Combined Authority – the majority shareholder of the airport – signed a Memorandum of Understanding with energy giant SSE last year to move forward and 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% 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, added: “This agreement secures green, renewable energy at the airport for two years which marks a big step forward in green ambitions.

“We’ve got work to do but this, alongside our solar ambitions, shows we’re leading the charge towards Net Zero in the UK aviation industry.”