Norwich-based RenEnergy UK and Saxon Air have partnered to deliver the UK’s first solar-powered electric aircraft charging canopy integrated with the SkyCharge Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).   

Installed at Saxon Air’s Business Aviation Centre at Norwich Airport, Norfolk, this innovation creates a fully renewable and resilient energy ecosystem for both aviation and ground transport.   

The solar canopy features an 18 kWp array (44 panels across 85.9 m²) producing around 18,146 kWh of clean electricity each year – enough to avoid approximately 3.4 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.  

RenEnergy UK and Saxon Air have joined up to launch the UK’s first solar-powered electric aircraft charging canopy integrated with the SkyCharge Battery Energy Storage System (Image: Saxon Air)

The judges said: “RenEnergy’s Saxon Air electric plane port is genuinely inspiring.”  

They added that this “strategic and ambitious project” proves sustainability can be creative, achievable and scalable.  

Suffolk New College  

Suffolk New College has four campuses in Ipswich, Otley, Halesworth and Leiston, with plans for a new College on the Coast in Leiston thanks to investment by Sizewell C.  

‘An outstanding learner experience’ is the mantra at the college, where everyone is committed to ensuring that all learners can broaden their horizons, aim high and achieve.   

A state-of-the-art, aspirational learning environment is key to delivering this vision, with recent investments including the Net Zero Skills Centre.   

Suffolk Rural in Otley is home to the college’s sustainable farm, alongside other nature-based green skills provision.   

The judges said: “By embedding sustainability across courses, staff development and careers events, the college fosters a culture where green thinking is part of everyday learning.”  

They said this approach is impactful, replicable and shaping the next generation of environmentally aware professionals.  

Trust Links transforms lives through community, connection and nature (Image: Trust Links)

Trust Links is a mental health, wellbeing and environment charity based in Essex, dedicated to transforming lives through community, connection and nature, and to enabling people to lead fulfilling lives in sustainable environments.   

Its flagship initiative, Growing Together, provides therapeutic community gardens across Essex, offering horticulture, creative activities and accredited training. In 2024-25, 581 adults engaged with Growing Together, with 77% reporting meaningful structure to their week and 84% learning new skills.   

The judges said it shows the power of community, nature and wellbeing working together.  

They added: “Tangible improvements in wellbeing and community connection make it a shining example of lasting social and environmental impact.” 

For more information about the Clean & Green Awards, and to book your tickets for the awards ceremony at Kesgrave Hall on March 26, visit cleanandgreenawards.co.uk  

To find out more about all the finalists, please click here

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