Teesside international airport has partnered with solar provider
geo green power to enable 1.4mw of solar power generation.
Additionally, the airport is planning to partner with north east
energy company geopura for further development of a hydrogen
energy ecosystem across the airport and surrounding network.
The initial solar installation, delivered by renewable energy
specialists geo green power, will supply renewable power directly
to the airport with scope to expand as the site's electricity
requirements grow.
Teesside international airport and geopura will also map out how
the solar power could be used to produce green hydrogen across
the site, helping cut emissions from airport operations and the
transport network that supports it.
This would include replacing diesel generators and helping to
power ground vehicles, taxis, last-mile transport and potentially
buses serving the airport.
The partnership supports teesside international airport's
commitment to become operationally net zero by 2030 and its
ambition to lead the adoption of cleaner energy and transport
technologies.
It comes as the airport continues to grow its wider operations,
including its business park and cargo facilities, creating
increased demand for reliable power while maintaining its focus
on reducing emissions.
A new cargo facility is taking shape to the east of the main
airport terminal, while defence firm draken is building a new
£7million hangar facility to strengthen its footprint at
teesside.
Phil forster, managing director of teesside international
airport, said: we've said time and again that this is a growing
airport building a future backing jobs, investment and cleaner
industries.
this agreement helps us do just that getting solar power on site
and opening up a route to a hydrogen-powered future. This will
mean cleaner ground operations, cleaner transport around the
airport, and a site fit for the future.
it's great to forge this partnership with geo green power as we
strive to lead the way in becoming the uk's greenest airport. I'm
excited to see us deepen our relationship and drive forward these
plans.
Derek bulmer, svp and chief development officer at geopura, said:
airports are complex energy environments, with significant power
demand across terminals, ground operations, logistics and the
wider transport network that supports them.
we look forward to collaborating on an integrated approach -
starting with renewable solar generation today and building
towards a wider hydrogen ecosystem that can support the airport
as its energy requirements grow.
the potential goes well beyond replacing one source of power. By
looking at how renewable electricity, hydrogen production and
hydrogen-powered transport can work together, teesside has an
opportunity to demonstrate a model that could be replicated at
airports and transport hubs elsewhere.
Tees valley mayor ben houchen said: this deal with geo green
power shows how we lead the way in clean energy and how our
airport has a key role to play. As the airport continues to
expand, it's vital that growth and sustainability go hand in
hand, and this agreement is another important step towards our
ambition of securing our airport's future and ensuring it
thrives.
Kitty cunningham, operations director at geo green power, added:
"it is a great privilege to partner with teesside international
airport on this project. 1.4mw of solar is a significant amount,
roughly equivalent to putting solar on 350 to 400 houses and,
coupled with green hydrogen, creates a substantial source of
clean energy for the airport."
