SSE-Teeside Airport JV: 50MW Solar Plan Unveiled

• SSE Energy Solutions and Teesside International Airport join forces to create a 50MW solar project to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and create clean energy infrastructure. A 3MW phase is planned for construction in early 2024 with a £10m investment and EV charging hub. Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen highlights potential for airport to become carbon neutral.

SSE Energy Solutions and Teesside International Airport have announced a joint venture to develop a solar project with up to 50MW of capacity. The first phase of the project, with 3MW of solar generation, is planned to begin construction in early 2024 with the potential to displace over 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the electricity supply network each year. As part of the project, SSE will invest £10m a day to establish clean energy infrastructure with the creation of a regional 'hub'. The airport will also establish an ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging hub powered by the solar array. Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said the project has the potential to make the airport the first in the UK to be carbon neutral.

What Potential Does SSE and Teesside Airport's Solar Project Have?

• The project has the potential to create up to 40 jobs in the region during construction.
• SSE's investment will also enable the airport to upgrade its energy network to one completely powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind.
• The project is also in line with Teesside International Airport's commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030, as part of the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s target to become carbon neutral by 2034.
• The solar project is also part of SSE’s ambitious plan to invest £7.5bn in clean energy during the next five years.
• The project could potentially provide energy to other regional businesses in the area, thereby creating more jobs and investment.
• The solar project will also serve as a model for other airports looking to reduce their carbon footprint and make the switch to renewable energy sources.