Solar developer AMPYR Solar Europe (ASE) and Edinburgh Airport Limited have announced a deal to develop a new solar farm linked with battery technology and electric vehicle charging infrastructure at Scotland’s biggest airport.
ASE along with its local construction partner, Absolute Solar & Wind, will build approximately 9MW of solar PV, 1.5MW of battery storage and 40 EV charging points.
The large ground-mounted solar PV system and battery will be situated next to the runway on a 16-acre plot of land, connected to the airport via a high voltage private wire network.
Gordon Dewar, Edinburgh Airport’s chief executive, commented: “Our commitment to a net zero future is underpinned by the various strands of work we have going on across the airport as part of our Greater Good sustainability strategy and one of the most visible projects will be this solar farm.
“We are happy to confirm our partners in this exciting step and our collaboration will enable us to implement this technology and allow us and Scotland to benefit from it as soon as possible.”
The project is in the late stage of design, with construction planned to start this summer and be fully operational by the start of next year.
Andrew Gould, executive chairman of ASE, added: “We are really pleased to be partnering with Edinburgh Airport on this important step towards a net-zero future and in support of its impressive ‘Greater Good’ sustainability strategy. Edinburgh Airport’s leadership shows a way forward to zero carbon for the airport sector.
“This is the first of ASE’s five renewable energy projects in Scotland to reach the delivery stage: the commitment and support of the Scottish Government and its strong policy position on climate change is clearly attractive to international investment.”
Edinburgh Airport will purchase the power produced by the solar farm through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement with ASE.
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