Energy giant SSE Energy Solutions has launched an office base at Teesside International Airport as part of the company’s ambitious growth plans for the region.

The FTSE 100 company has signed a lease for a unit in the airport terminal, with staff now working from the location.

The agreement follows an announcement last month that SSE is to deliver a major solar power project at Teesside International Airport.

The new office is part of a wider recruitment expansion across the Tees Valley by the company, providing opportunities and skills for workers from across the region.

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The new office will initially provide a base for up to 15 employees with a plan to grow to double that figure within two years.

Nehal Mehta, Director of Regions and Social Value with SSE Energy Solutions, said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to the region we are opening an office hub at Teesside International Airport to help recruitment in green jobs and bring in local talent from a diverse range of backgrounds.

“Our aim is to upskill local talent - whether they be managers, engineers or apprentices - and get them working on projects that are close to them. We have aspirations to create even more regional hubs across the country over the coming years and, ultimately, to do three things: unlock investment in low carbon infrastructure, create jobs and deliver the skills needed for net zero.”

The first phase of the solar farm project is due to enter construction early next year and will see up to 3MW of solar generation initially installed to meet airport and local demand.

Further phases could ultimately deliver 50MW of capacity over the coming years, which could make it one of the biggest solar projects in the UK and capable of displacing over 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the electricity supply network each year.

Alongside the airport development, SSE is also looking to develop the creation of more vehicle charging points.

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Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Future proofing our airport by making it the first in the country to be Net Zero is now within grasp thanks to this new solar deal.

“It’s a true vote of confidence a huge name such as SSE has set up home at our airport in quick time – and I can’t wait for spades to go in the ground so we can reap the rewards of this major solar project.”

Teesside Airport was this month named UK and Irish Airport of Year and work is now almost complete on the link road and first unit on the £200million Business Park South on the airport’s southside.

The development is set to create 4,400 jobs when fully operational while new hangars are also being developed on the northside of the airport.

The Teesside Aviation Skills Academy, which will convert part of the airport terminal to a dedicated facility for training and learning for Teesside University students and staff, has also been under construction in the past month