Edinburgh Airport wants to meet net zero in 2040

Edinburgh Airport and Ørsted signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together to map out steps to reduce emissions at the airport and meet its net zero by 2040 vision. It’s hoped it will provide a template for other airports around the world. The use of green technologies, including new hydrogen-fuels produced at scale from offshore wind farms, would make the airport one of the most sustainable in the world.

The partnership will see Ørsted and Edinburgh Airport work together to decarbonise:

• the energy used in the airport itself
• the energy used by the vehicles that are used to operate the airport
• the energy used by the vehicles getting passengers and goods to and from the airport
• the fuel being used by the aircraft using the airport

They will identify the most effective and affordable options for Edinburgh Airport and work with Scottish and UK Governments on the changes to regulations and policy required to introduce them, needed to deliver net zero by 2040. This will include proposals for hydrogen production facilities powered by offshore wind to support decarbonisation. During the first phase of the MOU this year the partners will examine and analyse options, with additional phases of the collaboration from 2022 focusing on implementing projects and bringing in other partners.

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: “The aviation industry realises the part it plays in emissions and the need to move towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. We have made huge advances in technology and we want to continue to innovate and ensure aviation’s future is one that is decarbonised and contributes positively to our economy and Scotland’s net zero ambitions.

Duncan Clark, Head of UK Region at Ørsted said: “This is a key stage on Scotland’s journey to reach net zero by 2045.  Whilst we have made huge strides in decarbonising the way we generate electricity, the next stage is to use that renewable electricity to decarbonise industry and transport.  This will involve renewable energy companies collaborating with forward-looking companies such as Edinburgh Airport.  Renewable hydrogen is key to decarbonising heavy transport and air-travel and look forward to working together on this exciting technology.”