10.42 MWp installation marks the partnership’s second major airport solar project, reinforcing its role in delivering fully funded on-site renewable energy for complex infrastructure environments.
London, UK – Zestec Renewable Energy (“Zestec”), owned by funds managed by Octopus Energy Generation, and co-developer Ikigai Energy (“Ikigai”) have begun construction activities on a 10.42 MWp solar photovoltaic installation at London Luton Airport (“LLA”), following their selection through a competitive procurement process launched by the airport operator.
The project will be delivered under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”), enabling LLA to benefit from on-site renewable electricity without the need for upfront capital investment. The project is expected to reach full electrification in early 2027, with Ryebridge Construction appointed principal contractor, working in conjunction with specialist delivery partners Emtec Energy and Emtec Utility Services.
The 106,000 m² ground-mounted array, comprising 14,580 solar modules, will be located entirely airside at the southern end of the airfield, spanning five development areas.
The solar plant is projected to generate up to 11.2 GWh of electricity annually, delivering a first-year carbon saving of approximately 1,467 tonnes CO₂e . The project forms a cornerstone of LLA’s Responsible Business Strategy to reduce reliance on grid power and improve long-term energy resilience and decarbonise the airport’s direct operational emissions, objectives that have become increasingly important as wholesale electricity prices continue to fluctuate in response to geopolitical instability and wider energy market pressures.
With electricity accounting for more than 60% of LLA’s total Scope 1 and 2 emissions, generating clean power on-site represents a key project as part of the airport’s Net Zero 2040 ambition. Consuming electricity produced on-site is also expected to enable significant savings on the airport’s energy bill over the life of the project and provides a meaningful hedge against continued price volatility.
“Generating clean energy on-site is a major step forward in our decarbonisation journey. With electricity accounting for the majority of our Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and with wholesale prices continuing to spike on the back of geopolitical instability, taking greater control of our own generation is both a sustainability and a business imperative.”
Marc Wolman, Infrastructure Director, London Luton Airport
Delivering solar infrastructure within a live, secure airside environment demands significant technical, regulatory and commercial expertise. The project requires coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority, obstacle limitation surface compliance, glint and glare assessment, and careful construction management within an operational airport perimeter.
Zestec’s fully funded PPA model will allow LLA to access long-term, low-cost renewable electricity while avoiding the capital burden of owning and developing the asset directly.
“Airports are energy-intensive environments and on-site generation is one of the most direct ways to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions and long-term energy price risk. Delivering this through a fully funded model, removing the need for upfront capital while providing London Luton Airport with low-cost renewable power, is exactly the kind of commercial and environmental value that is driving real momentum across the market.”
The mandate is the second major airport project involving Zestec and Ikigai Energy. The two companies previously collaborated on the first, 10MWp, phase of solar installations at Glasgow Airport, developed by Ikigai and funded by Zestec through a long-term PPA.
Simon Booth, CEO, Zestec Renewable Energy
“Winning this mandate through a competitive process is a strong validation of the partnership between Zestec and Ikigai. Airside solar is a genuinely complex undertaking — operationally, technically and regulatorily — and our track record across airports and regulated infrastructure reflects the depth of expertise the team brings. As energy prices remain volatile and airports face growing pressure to decarbonise and improve profitability and resilience, on-site generation is fast becoming a strategic necessity.”
Helena Anderson, Co-founder and COO, Ikigai Energy
With two major airport mandates now in delivery, this partnership is helping to establish a clear blueprint for how aviation hubs can take meaningful control of their energy future. As the pressure to decarbonise intensifies and grid price exposure remains a profitability concern, fully funded, behind-the-meter renewable energy solutions have never been more compelling.
About Zestec Renewable Energy
Zestec Renewable Energy is an Independent Power Producer that develops, funds, owns and operates commercial-scale solar PV systems for businesses and organisations seeking to reduce energy costs, cut carbon emissions and improve long-term energy resilience. Through its fully funded Power Purchase Agreement model, Zestec enables customers to access clean, low-cost electricity generated on-site without upfront capital investment. Zestec is owned by funds managed by Octopus Energy Generation.
About Ikigai Energy
Ikigai Energy, part of Ikigai Group, originates and develops bankable energy solutions for major energy users and infrastructure operators. Ikigai combines project development with commercial, strategic and bankability expertise to create tailored solutions that reduce emissions, strengthen resilience and deliver long-term financial value.
About London Luton Airport
London Luton Airport (LLA) is one of the UK’s busiest airports, operated by a consortium, of which the majority shareholder is AENA, the world’s largest airport operator, and InfraBridge, a leading infrastructure investment manager. Airlines include Jet2, easyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Tui, FlyOne, Sun Express, and El Al.
LLA achieved the renewal of the globally recognised Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme Level 4, demonstrating that it is ‘transforming its operations to achieve carbon reductions in line with global climate goals’. With a maximum score of 100 and a five-star rating, LLA has also been ranked as a sector leader for four consecutive years in the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) benchmark of sustainability governance management and performance of major infrastructure assets worldwide.
LLA continues to be a major employer and a key economic driver in Bedfordshire — supporting 28,000 jobs and contributing £830 million per year to the local economy.
Further information on London Luton Airport can be found here: www.london-luton.co.uk
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