London Stansted Airport has announced EDF Renewables UK as its official partner to design, construct, and operate a groundbreaking solar farm to meet its growing energy demands.

The 14.3MW solar farm, set to be located on airport-owned land at High House Farm, will be the first of its kind at a London airport. Designed to support Stansted’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon operations by 2038, the solar farm will generate renewable energy to power airport operations, including the rising number of electric vehicles on-site.

When operating at peak capacity on sunny days, the solar farm will produce enough energy to power the equivalent of 6,000 homes—comparable to the entire town of Saffron Walden.

In addition to generating clean energy, the project will emphasize biodiversity enhancement. Plans include planting over 50 new Willow and Field Maple trees, reinstating hedgerows, and creating 750 metres of new hedgerows. A 19-hectare wildflower meadow will also be established to enrich the local environment.

Construction is set to begin in early 2025, with the project marking a significant step toward sustainable energy solutions at major transportation hubs.

Leaders in sustainability

Deanna Greenhalgh, Director of Development at SAS Energy, EDF Renewables UK’s commercial and industrial solar division, expressed excitement about the collaboration:

“We are delighted to be working with London Stansted to construct and operate this new solar farm. The project will contribute towards the decarbonisation of the airport, reducing its energy costs in an uncertain energy environment and will lead the way in showing how important transport hubs such as London Stansted can progress towards net zero targets.”

Mike Hardaker, Chief Asset & Development Officer at London Stansted, highlighted the airport's dedication to sustainability:

“London Stansted has a long and proud track record of sustainable development... The addition of the solar farm will enable us to build on our achievements and drive forward our pledge to make our operations net zero carbon by 2038.”

A future-ready airport

The solar farm will be directly connected to the airport’s private network, ensuring greater energy security and freeing up renewable energy purchased from the grid for other users. London Stansted’s ongoing efforts earned it Level 3+ carbon-neutral status in 2018, and the new solar farm promises to reinforce its leadership in sustainable aviation.