Published: 16 May 2023, 10:52
The solar farm will help contribute to its net zero by 2030 goal. Image: Rwendland Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Bristol Airport has started work on a 2.8-acre solar farm which could help generate at least 16% of the airport’s direct energy needs over the year.
This could be achieved once the solar farm is completed and combined with the existing roof mounted panels at the Administration Building and the Car Rental Consolidation Site.
This will play a vital role in the decarbonisation of the airport in the South West with it confirming that all the power generated will be consumed onsite.
Preparation work for the farm is already underway with the project set to commence in May and forecast to be completed by Summer 2023.
“We are delighted to see this exciting project take shape, creating our first onsite solar farm. This is a huge first step in exploring renewable energy that will be consumed on site. This project highlights our commitment to making continual improvements now and in the future,” said Hannah Pollard, head of sustainability at Bristol Airport.
This week marks the start of the development of the first ever onsite solar farm here at Bristol Airport ☀️????
The project is forecasted to be completed by Summer 2023.
(example photos courtesy of @3tiEnergyHubs)
➡️ To read more, click here >> https://t.co/1npISxaxec pic.twitter.com/lvcoeCLBKt
— Bristol Airport (@BristolAirport) May 10, 2023
Bristol Airport achieved a Level 3+ carbon neutrality status in December 2021 and has set its sight on being a net zero airport for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030. It will also support the airport in generating its own energy from renewable sources with solar set to account for 25% of its overall mix by 2025.
A number of airports have been exploring the use of solar as a means to supply renewable energy throughout the buildings and operations. Solar Power Portal previously reported that solar was providing London Southend Airport with 25% of its annual energy consumption in a bid to reduce its carbon footprint.
In late August 2022, London Stansted received planning permission for the development of a 14.3MW solar farm that would sit on land immediately to the east of the airport.
The solar farm will produce renewable energy to help meet the airport’s current and increasing electricity demands as it races towards net zero by no later than 2038. The development will include new trees planted, hedgerows reinstated and new hedgerows introduced.
AMPYR Solar Europe (ASE) also signed a deal with Edinburgh Airport earlier this year to develop a 9MW solar farm linked with battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
On 26-27 June Solar Power Portal’s publisher Solar Media will host its annual UK Solar Summit in London. This year, the Summit will explore solar’s role in the UK’s energy mix, analysing how this will change as we draw closer to the Government’s net zero target. For more information, please visit the UK Solar Summit website here.