NATS Swanwick marks one year of solar success

A year after switching on over 2,600 solar panels at its control centre in Swanwick, NATS has announced that the scheme has generated an impressive 1.2 million kilowatt hours of clean electricity – enough to power around 444 average homes* for a year.

The UK’s leading provider of air traffic services launched the project in July 2024 as part of its commitment to becoming a net zero emissions company by 2035 and carbon negative by 2040. The panels now supply up to 10% of the site’s electricity needs, significantly reducing reliance on grid energy.

The installation, delivered in partnership with NATS’ facilities management agent, Mitie, marked the first of three large-scale solar projects across NATS sites. Roof and ground arrays are also generating energy at the Prestwick Control Centre in Ayrshire, while the installation of ground-mounted panels on adjoining land to Swanwick is in progress.

Ian Lane, Energy Efficiency Manager, NATS, said: “In just 12 months, this installation has made a measurable difference to our carbon footprint and energy resilience. The results in the first year show the real potential of on-site renewable generation. This is a proud milestone for everyone involved and a step forward for the industry’s journey to net zero.”

NATS Swanwick manages some of the busiest and most complex airspace in Europe, covering 200,000 square miles over England and Wales, including the skies above London. Air traffic controllers there handle over 1.8 million flights every year, keeping passengers moving while working towards a more sustainable future for aviation.

Ian continued: “While the solar installations are a critical part of our energy transition, we are also focused on improving overall energy efficiency and removing gas from our operations. This will be essential to achieving our net zero goals.”

*Ofgem average gas and electricity usage statistics. The solar installation generates enough clean electricity each year to power around 444 average homes (or approximately 293 larger family households).