From left, Phil Forster, Teesside International Airport Managing Director, Chris Bonas, 121 Director, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, Phil Andrew, 121 Director, Phil Lisham, Teesside International Airport Head of Engineering and Capital Delivery
121 Business Links has signed a contract with Teesside Airport to provide 100 per cent renewably sourced electricity to the site, putting Teesside on track to become the UK’s first Net Zero airport by 2030.
Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside Airport, said: “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.”
With a sustainability vision feeding into its development plans, the airport hopes to have solar power generated energy in the future, and expects to introduce the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with Willis Sustainable Fuels Limited, working together to open a Power-to-Liquid SAF refinery in the region. Equally, planning permission has been submitted for a hydrogen refuelling station nearby in partnership with Element 2, which received funding in 2023.
“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,” added Chris Bones, Director of 121 Business Links. “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.
The contract follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understand (MoU) between the Tees Valley Combined Authority and energy company SSE to push sustainability projects in the region over the next decade.
“It’s great to have a North East firm in 121 Business Links joining forces with our airport,” commented Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen. “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% 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.”
Photo: Teesside Airport
