NATS has completed its largest renewable energy project, with a new ground-mounted solar array at its air traffic control centre now fully operational.
The installation, which went live on 12 June, comprises 5,760 solar panels on leased land adjacent to the Operations Centre in Swanwick, beside the River Hamble.
Together with the site’s existing rooftop installation of 2,606 panels, the combined system is expected to generate around 3.3 million kWh of renewable electricity each year, supplying almost a fifth (17.5%) of the centre’s annual electricity demand. That’s enough renewable electricity each year to power the equivalent of around 1,200 average UK homes.
The benefits have already been evident. In the first two weeks of operation, the combined solar installation generated 195,066 kWh of renewable electricity, avoided approximately 40,000kg of carbon emissions and delivered significant energy cost savings.
Tim Bullock, Director of Supply Chain, Property and Facilities Management at NATS, said:
“This project is about much more than installing solar panels. It’s about changing the way we power one of the UK’s most important pieces of transport infrastructure.”
“With volatile energy markets, investing in self-generation reduces both cost risk and reliance on fossil fuels. The new Swanwick ground array will generate millions of kilowatt hours of renewable electricity each year, reducing our dependence on grid electricity while supporting our carbon negative ambition.”
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in bringing this project to life, from our engineering and estates teams to our delivery partners. Their expertise, commitment and collaboration have been instrumental in making this investment a reality and helping us take another important step towards our sustainability ambitions.”
As one of Hampshire’s largest employers and home to one of the UK’s two air traffic control centres, Swanwick plays a critical role in keeping the country’s skies safe. It manages some of the busiest and most complex airspace in Europe, covering 200,000 square miles over England and Wales, including the skies above London.
The new solar installation will help ensure this essential national infrastructure is powered more sustainably for years to come and supports NATS commitment to becoming a net zero emissions company by 2035 and carbon negative by 2040.
Ian Jopson, Sustainability Director at NATS, said:
“We’re proud that this investment is being made here in Hampshire, supporting our journey towards net zero while demonstrating that critical national infrastructure can play its part in the UK’s transition to cleaner energy. This project is another important milestone in reducing our carbon emissions while building a more resilient and sustainable energy future for NATS.”
