Virgin Media O2 is taking further steps toward its net zero carbon emissions goal through a new long-term Power Purchase Agreement with The Renewables Infrastructure Group (TRIG).
As part of the 10-year agreement, TRIG will provide the company with renewable electricity, providing around 15% of Virgin Media O2’s total energy supply.
The agreement begins from April 2026, where TRIG’s wind farms – Earlseat in Scotland, and Garreg Lwyd, Wales, will help to power the company’s sites across the UK.
It means Virgin Media O2 has secured a long-term renewable energy supply with predictable costs, which will help the company mitigate volatility in the energy market while investing in the UK’s renewable energy capacity.
The agreement also underpins Virgin Media O2’s commitment to only use renewable energy at sites where it controls the bill, which will support the company’s network resilience and in-turn help progress the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Cutting carbon
This forms part of Virgin Media O2’s robust measures to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its full value chain by the end of 2040 – a key part of its sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan.
Virgin Media O2 is making positive progress on its targets, cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions (operations) by 56%, and Scope 3 emissions (products and supply chain) by 19% – both against its 2020 baseline in 2024.
It comes as the company has recently received two prestigious accolades for its sustainability performance. It has been awarded an ‘A’ rating from non-profit, CDP, as part of their Supplier Engagement Assessment for the 2024 disclosure cycle, and has received a “Bronze Medal” from sustainability rating organisation, EcoVadis, for its overall sustainability performance.
Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:
“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.”
Minesh Shah, Managing Director for The Renewables Infrastructure Group, said:
“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.”
