Electricity deal supports airport’s green ambitions

Teesside International Airport has secured a renewable energy contract, as it looks to lead the “charge towards net-zero in the UK aviation industry”.

The deal with North East firm 121 Business Links will ensure all electricity used at the airport comes from 100 per cent renewable sources, with officials saying it marks “a big step forward” in the airport’s “green ambitions”.

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.”

Plans are also in place to integrate solar power from the wider site and explore the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), after it was announced that Willis Sustainable Fuels aims to establish a Power-to-Liquid SAF refinery in the region.

Further bolstering its green ambitions, the airport has submitted plans for a hydrogen refuelling station on land near the former St George Hotel, in partnership with hydrogen specialists Element 2.

The move follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed last year between Tees Valley Combined Authority – the majority shareholder of the airport – and energy giant SSE, to advance green projects across Teesside.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “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.”

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