London Luton Airport signs power deal for 10.42MWp solar installation
London Luton Airport will host a solar array of more than 14,500 modules under a long-term power purchase agreement, part of its target of net zero emissions by 2040.
Burges Salmon advised Zestec Renewable Energy on a long-term power purchase agreement that will bring an on-site solar photovoltaic installation to London Luton Airport.
The array, rated at 10.42MWp, will be built with Ikigai Energy across five areas inside the airport's secure airside perimeter. More than 14,500 modules will be used, and it is expected to generate up to 11.2GWh of electricity a year.
Zestec is funding the project, leaving the airport with no upfront capital cost. First-year carbon savings are forecast at about 1,467 tonnes of CO2e. The airport also expects lower long-term energy costs and some protection from electricity price swings.
The project supports the airport's Net Zero 2040 target. Ross Fairley, a senior partner and head of renewable energy at Burges Salmon, said the deal showed energy transition work is becoming part of long-term strategy for big infrastructure assets, and that airports face pressure to cut emissions, firm up operations and control energy bills.
Marc Wolman, infrastructure director at the airport, called the solar project a significant milestone on the way to Net Zero 2040, saying it would help reduce operational emissions and improve long-term energy resilience.
Sources
- airport-world.comSolar power project to boost London Luton’s net zero ambitions