SSE and Teesside International Airport partner on 3MW solar project
Power Engineering International
Posted on: 12 September 2023
SSE Energy and Teesside International Airport partner on an initial 3MW solar project initially installed to meet airport and local demand.
A new solar array which could eventually deliver enough green electricity to power the equivalent of more than 17 000 homes has been announced as part of a new Joint Venture between SSE Energy Solutions and Teesside International Airport.
The first phase of the project is due to enter construction in early 2024 and will see up to 3MW of solar generation initially installed to meet airport and local demand.
Further phases of the project could ultimately deliver 50MW of capacity over the coming years, which could make it capable of displacing over 20 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the electricity supply network each year.
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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.
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 commented, "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."
There are also plans for the airport, with SSE, 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.
