Gatwick enlists Vital Energi to help with heat decarbonisation

London Gatwick has signed a five‑year contract with energy specialist Vital Energi that will see natural gas removed from some 50 buildings – including both passenger terminals – as the airport races to hit net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.

Under the £250 million programme, Vital Energi will design and install a suite of zero‑carbon heat solutions, such as large‑scale heat pumps and upgraded heat networks, while also improving the energy efficiency of engineering workshops, offices and other estate buildings. Generating heat on site for the first time is expected to bolster resilience as well as slash carbon.

Cedric Laurier, Chief Technical Officer at London Gatwick, commented, “The whole aviation sector must work together to decarbonise our industry by 2050. At London Gatwick, we are playing our part by committing to decarbonising greenhouse gas emissions under the airport’s control by 2030. Our vision is to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey, and as we continue to grow, we must do it sustainably. Our work with Vital Energi will play a critical role in this and will mean we are the first major UK airport to generate heat on site.”

Mike Cooke, Managing Director, Vital Energi added, “Vital Energi is proud to partner with London Gatwick on this landmark decarbonisation programme and we commend its bold approach to decarbonisation and resilience. Our comprehensive expertise in renewable technologies and in‑house team of over 100 design engineers will support the airport to achieve its ambitious target of net zero by 2030 by removing gas from across the whole site and installing heat pumps and other decarbonisation measures.

“In every Vital Energi project, we build in operational resilience, ensuring there is always a backup to maintain functional continuity.”