IPSWICH: An electricity supplier has powered into a major contract for four UK airports.

Ipswich-based Haven Power’s deal with Manchester Airports Group (MAG) means it will be supplying 100% renewable energy to Manchester, East Midlands, Humberside and Bournemouth airports.

It makes MAG one of the largest customers for Haven, which supplies electricity to businesses and is owned by Drax Group, which is a leader in biomass energy.

Neil Robinson, corporate social responsibility director at Manchester Airports Group, said: “As part of our commitment to make ground operations carbon neutral across the Manchester Airports Group by 2015, we are always looking at ways to reduce energy demand, produce our own renewable energy on site or where this is not feasible, source renewable power. Haven Power’s dedication to renewable energy mirrors our own sustainability values and we are therefore looking forward to developing a long term partnership with them.”

Haven Power boss Peter Bennell said the majority of businesses are now under increasing pressure to be more environmentally responsible and large companies such as Manchester Airports Group are setting their own goals to contribute towards sustainability targets.

“Taking the option of power from a 100% renewable source, customers benefit from the supply being exempt from Climate Change Levy. It is a very simple but effective way of demonstrating commitment to being more sustainable without compromising the budget. We’re pleased to be appointed as MAG’s electricity supplier and hope it develops into a long-lasting relationship,” he said.

Biomass burnt at Drax delivers significant carbon footprint savings compared to a typical gas-fired generating plant which allows Haven, which is based at Ransomes Europark, to help customers get more environmentally responsible energy at a competitive price.