How Virgin Media O2’s 10-year Wind Deal Cuts Emissions

Virgin Media O2 has entered into a decade-long power purchase agreement (PPA) with The Renewables Infrastructure Group (TRIG).

The deal will see Virgin Media O2 source approximately 15% of its total electricity needs from renewable sources starting in April 2026.

This long-term agreement involves TRIG supplying renewable electricity generated from two of its UK wind farms, namely Earlseat in Scotland and Garreg Lwyd in Wales.

The move is a component of Virgin Media O2’s strategy to achieve net zero carbon emissions throughout its value chain by 2040, a date that is 10 years ahead of the UK government's own 2050 target.

Virgin Media O2’s net zero commitments

According to company reports, Virgin Media O2 has already made progress in its environmental targets, with a 56% reduction in its Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 19% decrease in Scope 3 emissions, using 2020 as a baseline.

These efforts are part of Virgin Media O2's wider 'Better Connections Plan' sustainability strategy.

In recognition of its work with suppliers on climate-related issues, Virgin Media O2 received an 'A' rating from the CDP in its 2024 Supplier Engagement Assessment.

Additionally, its overall sustainability performance was acknowledged with a Bronze Medal from EcoVadis.

Securing operational and financial resilience

The PPA offers Virgin Media O2 a degree of price certainty amid ongoing volatility in the energy market, a factor that can be a significant concern for large-scale business operations.

This arrangement is intended to bolster Virgin Media O2's policy of utilising renewable energy across all sites where it has direct control over the electricity bill, which in turn could help to support network resilience.

Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, explained the strategic importance of the agreement.

"By purchasing long-term renewable energy at scale, we're not only cutting carbon but protecting our network from future energy shocks," Dana says.

She adds: "Power Purchase Agreements offer price certainty, operational resilience and long-term value."

The deal also provides benefits for the renewable energy supplier according to Minesh Shah, Managing Director at TRIG, who explained the mutual advantages.

"We're pleased to be supplying Virgin Media O2 with clean energy as it advances its sustainability strategy through this long-term Power Purchase Agreement," Minesh says.

He adds: "Such agreements present an attractive opportunity to help businesses access renewable electricity, while delivering secure, long-term revenue streams for our shareholders – a structure that benefits both commercial decarbonisation and sustainable investment."

The growing trend of corporate PPAs

This agreement between Virgin Media O2 and TRIG is indicative of a wider trend, where large corporations are increasingly choosing to secure their renewable energy supply directly through PPAs, rather than relying on the broader energy market.

The combined generating capacity of the Earlseat and Garreg Lwyd wind farms involved in this deal is approximately 50MW.

TRIG, a renewable energy infrastructure investment company listed on the London Stock Exchange, oversees a diverse portfolio of wind, solar and battery storage projects. Its assets are spread across six European markets and have a total net operational capacity of 2.3GW.

For Virgin Media O2, an agreement of this nature not only supports the UK’s transition towards a low-carbon economy but also acts as a safeguard against future fluctuations in energy prices.

As data consumption and network expansion continue to increase energy use in the telecommunications sector, the procurement of renewable energy is becoming an ever-more critical aspect of corporate sustainability strategies.

"Virgin Media O2 is committed to growing responsibly, delivering resilient digital infrastructure that support the planet, our customers and the communities we serve," Dana explains.