Are UK Airports Leading the Way in Rooftop Solar PV Installations?

November 12, 2024

In an era where sustainability has moved from being a buzzword to an urgent call for action, UK airports are taking significant strides to meet their net-zero emission targets through innovative solutions. One noteworthy example comes from Farnborough Airport in Hampshire, which has just completed a £2 million rooftop solar PV project by installer Solvus. Starting construction in January 2024, this pioneering project boasts an installed capacity of 1,700kWp, generating over 1.2GWh of renewable energy annually. This amount of energy is substantial enough to cover up to 25% of the airport’s electricity needs, indicating a remarkable achievement in the realm of sustainable energy practices at airports.

Boosting Green Energy Production and Usage

The newly installed solar PV system at Farnborough Airport signifies more than just a step towards sustainability; it supports the airport’s electric vehicle (EV) fleet by providing green energy. Impressively, 75% of the power generated will be used on-site, directly reducing the airport’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources and lowering its overall carbon footprint. The remaining 25% of the energy produced will be sold back to the energy supplier, contributing to the broader grid and promoting the use of renewable energy on a larger scale. Jo Parker-Swift, CEO of Solvus, emphasized the importance of this milestone in the airport’s net-zero emissions journey. He also urged other airports to adopt similar renewable energy solutions, emphasizing that the transition to green energy is not only beneficial for the environment but also cost-effective in the long run.

The installation at Farnborough comprised 4,000 lightweight, low-glare solar modules strategically placed across various airport structures, including hangars, the terminal, control tower, and the Aviator Hampshire hotel. This comprehensive layout ensures that there is no disruption to pilots, making the system both user-friendly and highly efficient. This successful project adds to a growing list of UK airports turning to rooftop solar PV installations as viable solutions to meet their sustainability goals. By reducing their carbon footprints and increasing energy self-sufficiency, these airports are setting examples for other industries to follow.

A Growing Trend Among UK Airports

Farnborough Airport’s initiative is part of a broader trend where multiple UK airports are embracing rooftop solar PV installations as a key strategy to meet their net-zero emission targets in a cost-efficient manner. For instance, in 2023, SSE Energy Solutions planned a substantial solar power project at Teesside Airport, which aims at achieving up to a 50MW capacity to support the airport’s net-zero goal by 2030. This ambitious project will commence with an initial 3MW phase to meet immediate energy demands, highlighting the commitment of UK airports to sustainability even through phased approaches.

Other airports are also making notable progress in this area. London Southend Airport, for instance, now sources 25% of its annual energy needs from solar panels. This significant contribution aids the airport in its carbon reduction attempts and underlines the practical benefits of solar installations. Meanwhile, Bristol Airport began constructing a 2.8-acre solar PV plant in May 2023 to meet at least 16% of its direct yearly energy needs. These initiatives, collectively, underline the growing commitment among UK airports to sustainable energy solutions by leveraging both rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV installations.

Impact on the Aviation Industry and Beyond

In an era where sustainability has evolved from being a mere buzzword to a pressing need, UK airports are making significant efforts to meet their net-zero emission objectives through groundbreaking solutions. A notable example is Farnborough Airport in Hampshire, which has just completed an impressive £2 million rooftop solar PV project, installed by Solvus. This ambitious project began construction in January 2024 and features an installed capacity of 1,700kWp. It generates over 1.2GWh of renewable energy annually—enough to supply up to 25% of the airport’s electricity needs. This marks a significant milestone in sustainable energy practices for airports. Such initiatives reflect a broader trend among airports striving to reduce their carbon footprints and embrace greener energy alternatives. By generating a substantial portion of its energy from renewable sources, Farnborough is setting an admirable example for other airports globally, emphasizing the critical shift toward sustainable operations in the aviation industry.

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