The district energy scheme saves 11,500 tons of carbon dioxide annually and it is anticipated that the Port of Southampton’s contribution will ensure savings equivalent to the annual emissions of more than 3,000 average hatchback cars, or approximately 28,680 holidaymakers taking a return flight from Southampton Airport to Alicante.

Steven Young, deputy port manager at Southampton said. 'The port is a major contributor to the local economy and therefore has a constant impact on the people who live and work in the Southampton region. We are so pleased that this agreement will make a positive change to the local environment, as some 55% of the port’s annual power requirements will now be taken from this sustainable source.'

Simon Woodward, chief executive of Utilicom added, 'ABP will be using all of the electricity that our Combined Heat and Power plant generates. This means that heat from electricity generation, which is normally wasted, will be recovered to help power the port. Not only a first for Southampton but a first in the UK. Once again, Southampton is being put on the map as a technical innovator.'

The 11,500 tons of CO₂ emissions that ABP Southampton will save is also equivalent to the typical annual carbon dioxide outputs for 157,534 kettles, 182,539 standard light bulbs, 225,490 washing machines or  294,871 microwave ovens.