Fraport AG, the owner and operator of Frankfurt Airport, has recently entered into a significant agreement with leading energy provider Centrica Energy Trading. The agreement entails a five-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the procurement of renewable wind power from a project developed by PNE AG in northern Germany.
Effective from July 2023, Centrica will purchase the electricity generated from a newly commissioned onshore wind farm developed by PNE. This will result in Fraport receiving approximately 63GWh of renewable electricity each year. The wind farm, boasting a total capacity of 22MW, will generate enough renewable energy to offset approximately 24,300 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
This agreement holds great importance for Fraport AG as it aligns with their renewable energy procurement strategy, contributing to increased energy security and price stability. Furthermore, it enables the company to make significant strides towards its corporate sustainability and net-zero targets by reducing carbon emissions. For PNE, this collaboration presents an excellent opportunity to supply clean energy from its wind farms to a prominent airport business over an extended period, thereby supporting climate-neutral aviation.
Jan Gibbert, the head of German origination at Centrica Energy Marketing & Trading, commented on the deal, stating, “Germany's green transition is accelerating, and the focus on sustainability and demand for renewable energy solutions only continues to grow.” He further expressed enthusiasm about the agreement with Fraport, emphasizing Centrica's commitment to delivering green services and solutions that drive the growth and integration of renewable energy systems throughout Europe.
Felix Kreutel, the head of real estate and energy at Fraport, expressed satisfaction with the partnership, stating, “Fraport has set itself an ambitious climate goal. By 2045, we will reduce our carbon emissions to zero throughout the Group. The PPA with Centrica is an important pillar in our strategic planning. Even now, it is making a major contribution towards shifting our energy mix in the right direction.”
Nils Kompe, the head of energy supply services and PPA management at PNE, also shared his delight about the agreement between Centrica and Fraport, highlighting the significance of corporate PPAs in facilitating the success of the energy transition.
The collaboration between Fraport AG, Centrica Energy Trading, and PNE AG represents a milestone in promoting renewable energy consumption in the aviation sector. As Germany's commitment to green initiatives continues to gain momentum, partnerships like this one serve as catalysts for sustainable growth, while advancing the goal of a cleaner and more environmentally friendly future.