Virgin Media O2 secures decade-long wind deal to double down on network resilience

Virgin Media O2 has taken a significant step toward its ambitious net zero goal by signing a new 10-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with The Renewables Infrastructure Group (TRIG). The long-term deal is set to bolster the company's network resilience while providing a predictable, long-term supply of clean energy.

Starting in April 2026, TRIG will supply Virgin Media O2 with renewable electricity equivalent to approximately 15% of the company’s total energy needs. This clean power will be generated by TRIG's existing onshore wind farms: Earlseat in Scotland and Garreg Lwyd in Wales, helping to power Virgin Media O2’s operations across the UK.

The agreement serves a dual purpose: it substantially reduces Virgin Media O2's operational carbon footprint while future-proofing the business against energy market volatility. By securing a predictable, fixed-price supply, the company is mitigating the risk of energy shocks and underpinning its commitment to exclusively using renewable energy at sites where it controls the billing. This operational resilience, in turn, supports the broader UK transition toward a low-carbon economy.

Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer, Virgin Media O2: ''This agreement marks the next step in Virgin Media O2’s journey to achieving net zero by the end of 2040 – 10 years ahead of the UK. By purchasing long-term renewable energy at scale, we’re not only cutting carbon but protecting our network from future energy shocks. Power Purchase Agreements offer price certainty, operational resilience and long-term value. Virgin Media O2 is committed to growing responsibly, delivering resilient digital infrastructure that support the planet, our customers, and the communities we serve.''

The PPA is a key component of Virgin Media O2’s comprehensive Better Connections Plan, which aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its full value chain by the end of 2040. The company is already making significant progress toward its targets, having cut its Scope 1 and 2 emissions (from its own operations) by 56% and its Scope 3 emissions (products and supply chain) by 19% against a 2020 baseline as of 2024.

This sustainability performance has recently garnered external recognition. Virgin Media O2 received an 'A' rating from the non-profit CDP for its Supplier Engagement Assessment and was awarded a "Bronze Medal" from the sustainability rating organization EcoVadis for its overall environmental performance.

Minesh Shah, Managing Director, The Renewables Infrastructure Group: "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. 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."

www.virginmediao2.co.uk
www.trig-ltd.com

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