Glasgow Airport has announced plans for what will be the largest solar farm at a Scottish airport as part of its ongoing commitment to decarbonisation.
The 30-acre onsite, ground mounted solar farm will give Glasgow Airport the capability to generate enough power for the airport campus and neighbouring businesses. This is equivalent to powering almost 20% of homes in the city (approximately 52,000 households).
The c.15MW solar farm is already in the early stages of development subject to planning and is expected to be operational by summer 2023 if approved.
Derek Provan, chief executive of AGS Airports, said: “All of our electricity is already purchased from 100% renewable sources and has been since 2018, however, the creation of the solar farm at Glasgow Airport will allow us to become self-sustaining by generating enough clean energy for both the airport and our neighbours.
“As one of the UK’s leading regional airport groups that serves the Highlands and Islands there’s a real opportunity for AGS to become a testbed for hydrogen and electric flight and the solar farm gives us the ability to future proof for an increase in electricity demand.
“There will be additional demand due to the electrification of operational vehicles, taxis, rental cars and we will also launch a green car scheme to support our staff to switch to electric vehicles. All of this will require electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
“We need to anticipate these changes and the steps we are taking today will ensure we can meet both the demands of the future and our net zero targets.”
Image credit: AGS Airports
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