Teesside International Airport and SSE Energy Solutions have announced a new joint venture which aims to deliver enough green electricity to power the equivalent of more than 17,000 homes.
The first phase of the project, due to enter construction early next year, will see up to 3MW of solar generation initially installed to meet airport and local demand. The companies said 50 MW of capacity could be delivered in the coming years.
In 2022, Teesside International Airport announced plans to make its operations net zero by the end of the decade. The airport plans to install a new ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging hub powered by the solar array with assistance from SSE.
Neil Kirkby, managing director of enterprise at SSE Energy Solutions, said: “This fantastic project aligns perfectly with SSE Energy Solutions’ strategy to help local authorities transition to a net zero carbon future, while creating great opportunities for local people. To achieve this, we are building a strong presence within Teesside through the creation of a regional “hub”, the like of which we’re also establishing in many other regions across the UK”.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “Our work with SSE Energy Solutions again proves how we can attract the biggest and best companies to our region to work on innovative schemes, which provide well-paid, highly skilled jobs and serious investment while also delivering a greener future. This landmark agreement has the potential to deliver one of the biggest solar projects of its kind in the UK and will deliver our ambition to make the airport net zero. Indeed, it likely means the airport will be the first in the country to be carbon neutral.”
Image: Teeside International Airport
