London Stansted has been given permission by the UK government to develop a solar farm on land already owned by the airport.
Stansted, which is part of Manchester Airports Group, said the 14.3-megawatt solar farm would help to meet the airport’s need for electricity, including the growing use of electric vehicles around its facilities.
Steve Griffiths, Stansted’s outgoing managing director, said: “The solar farm will enable us to build on this achievement in line with our commitment to make our operations net zero carbon by no later than 2038.
“The development will see the airport generating its own renewable electricity on-site, connecting directly to our own private network, increasing the security of energy supply while at the same time freeing up renewable energy we currently purchase for others to use elsewhere on the grid.”
Griffiths is moving from Stansted to become managing director of East Midlands airport, also part of MAG. Meanwhile Gareth Powell is taking over as the new MD of Stansted after joining MAG from Transport for London (TfL).
Charlie Cornish, CEO at MAG, said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Gareth to the business. His considerable operational, commercial and strategic experience will make him a great addition to our executive team and help us realise our ambitions for Stansted.
“I would also like to thank Steve for his achievements during his time at Stansted. He will take this experience and acumen to East Midlands, as we look to maximise the role it plays in supporting UK global trade.”