First electric plane charger at UK regional airport

Saxon Air and RenEnergy announced the installation of a pioneering electric plane charging port at Saxon Air Business Aviation Centre, located at Norwich Airport. This purpose-built infrastructure, designed and installed by RenEnergy, establishes a new standard for regional airports and demonstrates both companies’ commitment to leading the charge in sustainable aviation.

Damian Baker, Managing Director of RenEnergy, commented: “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.”

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.”

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. This setup now generates sustainable power for multiple operational needs at SaxonAir, including the cutting-edge electric charging port. Their fleet features the Pipistrel Velis Electro, an electric aircraft used for sustainable flight training, supporting a forward-looking approach to environmentally responsible aviation learning. 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. These complementary facilities highlight the commitment to clean energy in regional aviation, as well as the potential to inspire sustainable practices industry-wide.

For Saxon Air, the project aligns perfectly with their vision to redefine sustainable business aviation, providing not only discreet and efficient services, but also maintaining a strong environmental responsibility. 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.

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.

As one of the UK’s leading non-scheduled aviation providers, Saxon Air’s services range from private charter flights to full-service flight support and aircraft management. Saxon Air’s growing commitment to sustainable practices is matched by their ambition to expand this model throughout the aviation industry, showing how sustainable technology can enhance regional connectivity while reducing environmental impact. A focus on flexibility reinforces Saxon Air’s vision to position their facility as an Innovation Centre for the region.

This collaborative project further builds on RenEnergy’s reputation as a renewable energy leader. RenEnergy’s expertise in engineering solar solutions, such as carports and EV charging stations, extends seamlessly into aviation. Having developed solar carports at multiple locations, RenEnergy brings a depth of experience in adapting solar technologies for diverse applications, adding significant value to Saxon Air’s sustainability objectives.

The partnership between Saxon Air and RenEnergy reflects a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation within aviation. This installation exemplifies how forward-thinking, locally-rooted businesses can lead the way in developing regional infrastructure to meet global challenges.