Saxon Air and RenEnergy has installed an electric plane charging port at Saxon Air’s Business Aviation Centre, located at Norwich Airport.
The new charging port, which integrates a solar energy array specifically tailored for electric aircraft, adds to the clean energy capabilities Saxon Air began with RenEnergy in their recent installation of a large-scale grid-connected solar PV system.
By providing dedicated charging infrastructure for electric planes, the port further supports Saxon Air’s sustainability achievement as the lowest-emission flight training centre in England, with an ambition of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Building on this exciting regional impact, Old Buckenham Airfield also operates a solar-powered plane port, showcasing East Anglia’s momentum in sustainable aviation infrastructure, powered by RenEnergy.
The electric charging port will enable fast and efficient charging for Saxon Air’s electric fleet, significantly reducing the dependency on grid power and reducing carbon emissions.
Damian Baker, managing director, RenEnergy said, “We are thrilled to support Saxon Air in taking sustainable aviation to new heights. Working alongside a forward-thinking partner like Saxon Air, we’ve developed an infrastructure that will enable them to achieve their environmental goals, while also enhancing operational efficiency. This project is a fantastic example of how innovative renewable technology can be adapted to meet the needs of modern aviation. We look forward to seeing the benefits this will bring to the sector.”
The charging port utilises an 18kWp solar array covering 85.9 square metres and featuring 44high-performance solar panels.
This setup, built on a durable steel frame, generates around 18,146 kWh of energy per year, enough to avoid 3,445kg of CO₂ emissions annually – equivalent to the carbon offset by hundreds of trees.
This renewable energy, generated directly on-site, aligns with Saxon Air’s goals for reducing carbon emissions and costs, offering clean energy to charge electric aircraft while functioning as a covered parking space that protects the planes from environmental wear.
Alex Durand, chief executive officer of Saxon Air said, “The installation of our aircraft solar charging canopy gets us closer to energy self-sufficiency targets. It also showcases electric aviation to a wider audience as we believe it’s the first of its kind at a UK regional airport. We now have a standalone location for energy self-sufficient electric aircraft operations, and now very much part of normal airport operations. Thanks to RenEnergy and Norwich Airport for helping to make this happen.”
