A new solar array capable of eventually producing enough green electricity to power the equivalent of more than 17,000 homes has been announced by a Joint Venture between Teesside International Airport and SSE Energy Solutions.
Teesside International Airport, located between Darlington and Stockton-on-Tees in Northern England, is popular with holidaymakers to Spain, Turkey and Majorca.
Airlines served by the publicly owned airport include KLM, Ryanair and Loganair.
The fantastic Teesside International Airport project aligns perfectly with SSE Energy Solutions’ strategy to help local authorities transition to a net zero carbon future
The first phase of the project is due to enter construction in early 2024 and will generate 3MW of solar energy to cover the needs of the airport and local demand.
Further expansion may increase capacity by up to 50 MW, making the solar project one of the biggest in the UK and capable of displacing over 20,000 metric tonnes of CO2 annually from the electricity supply network.
In 2022, Teesside International Airport announced plans to make its operations net zero by the end of the decade through the decarbonisation of its buildings and infrastructure and development of sustainable aviation fuel production in the region.
The JV involving the airport and SSE also plans to install a new ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging hub powered by the solar array in line with the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority’s ambition to increase the number of public EV charging points in the Tees Valley by 200 per cent within the next two years.
SSE is currently supporting clean energy infrastructure projects across the UK under an investment programme that is scheduled for completion in 2026.
Neil Kirkby, the company's managing director for enterprise, says: "The fantastic Teesside International Airport 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, adds: "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.”
Phil Clements, Director of Energy Infrastructure at SSE Energy Solutions, comments: "I’m thrilled that our project takes a great step towards establishing a net-zero carbon future for the people and businesses of Teesside.
...[T]he airport will be the first in the country to be carbon neutral.
"I’m proud that SSE is playing a part in helping deliver the decarbonisation plan set out by Mayor Houchen’s Combined Authority, and in doing so bringing jobs and additional investment to the area."
