Teesside International Airport has partnered with renewable energy specialist Geo Green Power to develop 1.4MW of on-site solar generation, while exploring a wider hydrogen energy system to reduce emissions from airport operations and ground transport.
image: Teesside International Airport (Derek Bulmer and Phil Forster)
The solar project will supply renewable electricity directly to the airport, with provision to expand capacity as demand increases. The airport is targeting operational net zero by 2030.
The airport also plans to work with North East energy company GeoPura to assess how solar-generated electricity could be used to produce green hydrogen. Potential applications include replacing diesel generators and powering ground support vehicles, taxis, local transport and possibly buses serving the airport.
The proposed approach would link renewable electricity generation with hydrogen production and transport, although the hydrogen element remains at the development and assessment stage.
Airport managing director Phil Forster said the partnership would support the site's growth while helping to reduce emissions from its operations and the transport network around it.
GeoPura senior vice-president and chief development officer Derek Bulmer said the combination of solar generation, hydrogen production and hydrogen-powered transport could provide a model for other airports and transport hubs.
The project comes as Teesside Airport expands its commercial activities. A new cargo facility is being developed to the east of the terminal, while defence company Draken is building a £7m hangar. The airport said these developments, alongside its growing business park, would increase demand for reliable electricity.
The new agreement follows earlier plans for a larger solar development at the airport. In 2023, the Tees Valley Combined Authority announced a partnership with SSE Energy Solutions for a project initially intended to provide up to 3MW of solar generation, with potential for expansion to 50MW.
In July 2026, the Combined Authority awarded Geo Green Power a £25m contract for a renewable energy system at the airport. The procurement covered the construction, operation and maintenance of on-site renewable generation, with electricity supplied to the airport under a long-term power purchase agreement.