We have added another UK airport to our on-site solar CV. These renewable energy projects are helping major infrastructure operators reduce carbon emissions, strengthen energy resilience and protect against long-term electricity price volatility.
We have advised independent power producer Zestec Renewable Energy, owned by funds managed by Octopus Energy Generation, on the development and a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) of a 10.42MWp solar photovoltaic installation at London Luton Airport.
The project, which is being delivered in partnership with Ikigai Energy, will provide London Luton Airport with on-site renewable electricity through a fully funded model, removing the need for upfront capital investment while supporting the airport’s ambitious Net Zero 2040 target.
The installation will comprise more than 14,500 solar modules across five development areas within the airport’s secure airside perimeter and is expected to generate up to 11.2GWh of electricity annually. The project is forecast to deliver first-year carbon savings of approximately 1,467 tonnes of CO₂e while providing significant long-term energy cost benefits and protection from electricity market volatility.
The transaction highlights increasing demand from major infrastructure operators for innovative renewable energy solutions that combine decarbonisation objectives with long-term commercial resilience. As energy-intensive sectors continue to face pressure to reduce emissions and manage operational costs, fully funded PPA structures are becoming an increasingly attractive route to accessing clean, low-cost energy.
The Burges Salmon team was led by Head of Renewable Energy, Ross Fairley, partner, with support from colleagues across the firm’s Energy and Utilities sector group, particularly in the real estate and construction groups.
