Power purchase agreement
Renewable Energy Procurement & Carbon Offsetting, Guidance for net zero carbon buildings, published by the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) in March 2021, states: ‘A power purchase agreement is a contract entered into between a generator and a customer which allows the customer to have a direct purchasing relationship with a generator without needing a direct physical connection to the generation plant (such as under a private wire arrangement). It may take the form of a traditional PPA or be a type of contract for difference. A corporate PPA can bring electricity consumers and generators together irrespective of location.’
Zero carbon building, Performance standard, Version 2, Published by the Canada Green Building Council in March 2021, defines a power purchase agreement (PPA) as: ‘…a contract for green power and the associated environmental attributes that typically includes the purchase of a significant volume of electricity under a contract that lasts for at least fifteen years.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Gasholders: a history in pictures. Book review.
Recognition, influence and growth
SocEnv identifies three strategic pillars in new strategy to 2045.
Discover the future of roofing, cladding and insulation.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.

















