Scotland’s first airside solar farm, claimed to be the first-of-its-kind in the country, has officially been opened at Edinburgh Airport.
Located adjacent to the runway, the 11-acre solar farm provides around 27% of the airport’s electricity needs.
The airport operated solely on solar power between 8.30am and 7pm on several occasions this year, demonstrating the potential of renewable energy within the airport environment.
The project, which was supported by £2.1 million from the Scottish Government, supports the airport’s ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2030.
It has achieved a 90% reduction in its own emissions since 2019.
Edinburgh Airport is the only one in Scotland to reach Level 4+ in the global Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme – one of only 50 worldwide and six in the UK.
“Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: “Making sure we have a sustainable future is one of our most important goals, and it’s important that we innovate and harness technology that can help deliver that for the airport.
“The introduction of the UK’s first airfield solar farm is a key part of our Greater Good sustainability strategy, delivering almost 27% of our energy needs and diversifying our energy mix – and we are proud to be an airport that continues to look to innovative solutions to meet our goals.”
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, who officially opened the airside solar farm, added: “By generating clean energy on site, this pioneering project is not only helping one of the country’s most important transport hubs cut emissions but also supporting green jobs, energy resilience and sustainable economic growth.
“I am proud that Scottish Government funding has played a part in making this vision a reality and showing the kind of leadership we need on the journey to net zero.”
