Vodafone: Vodafone inks another PPA in the UK

Vodafone has announced the signing of a new PPA with Centrica and Mytilineos for solar power in the UK. The 10-year deal signed by the companies will see the telco procure energy from five solar farms in Norfolk, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Dorset. In total, the energy procured is 232MW, generating a total of 216GWh of electricity.

Speaking about the deal, Ahmed Essam, UK CEO of Vodafone, said that it ensures a significant proportion of the company's energy requirement, for "at least the next 10 years," is home-grown in the UK. Essam added: "I'm pleased Vodafone is helping to progress the development of new renewable power sites and supporting the delivery of green energy to the UK grid."

Meanwhile, Chris O'Shea, CEO of Centrica, said that PPAs, like the one signed with Vodafone are going to be "essential" to the growth of renewable energy in the UK and Europe, and will help secure "guaranteed returns for developers" and so, encouraging growth in the sector. O'Shea continued: "They are also key for helping large companies like Vodafone decarbonize its operations. We're delighted to build on our longstanding relationship with Vodafone and support its net zero journey."

Yiannis Kalafatas, chief executive director of Mytilineos' Energy Sector, added: "We are excited about this second transaction with Vodafone, as this demonstrates our capability to support renewable energy and energy independence in the UK. We are also proud of being able to achieve such a milestone – both as a developer and a generator – by signing the biggest solar corporate PPA deal in the UK to date."

The company has outlined that work will begin on the project this year, with energy generation pegged early next year.