SSE and Teesside International Airport have announced plans for a brand-new solar farm that could provide up to 50 MW of generation capacity.
The new solar farm has the potential to power more than 17,000 homes at its peak output, making it one of the largest solar farms in the UK. It will be similar in scale to the Swindon Solar Park, which was built on the former RAF Wroughton airfield and provides power to HSBC’s UK operation through a 15-year PPA agreement.
Construction of the new solar farm comes after Teesside International Airport announced in 2022 its plans to become net zero by the end of the decade. That will include the decarbonisation of all of the airport’s buildings and infrastructure, as well as helping to develop sustainable aviation fuel production in the region.
In order to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation, the airport wants to get construction underway on the new solar farm as soon as possible. In fact, SEE anticipates that construction will begin in early 2024 on the first phase of the project.
The first phase will entail just 3 MW of generation capacity, which will be capable of meeting the needs of the airport and a little bit of local demand. However, future phases could ultimately deliver the goal of 50 MW of capacity – although neither firm has committed to a solid date for when that capacity will be built.
In addition to the solar farm, there are also plans for the airport 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 Tees Valley by 200% by 2025. This will be built in collaboration with SSE.
Neil Kirkby, Managing Director of Enterprise at SSE Energy Solutions, noted, “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 likes of which we’re also establishing in many other regions across the UK”.
Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor, 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.”
Phil Clements, Director of Energy Infrastructure at SSE Energy Solutions, concluded, “I’m thrilled that our project takes a great step towards establishing a net zero carbon future for the people and businesses of Teesside.
“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.”