Solar Panel Installation and Energy Generation
So far, 11,000 solar panels have been installed by Enerpower, one of Ireland’s leading renewable energy providers, with a total of 15,000 panels expected to be in place by the end of September. These solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight directly into electricity using PV cells, emitting no greenhouse gases or pollutants. Once completed and commissioned this autumn, the solar farm is projected to generate 7.46GWh annually. This output will cover 11.8% of Dublin Airport’s annual electricity consumption, equivalent to powering approximately 1,600 homes for a year. The energy produced will be sufficient to meet the electricity needs of the entire airfield, with any excess contributing to the airport terminals and campus.
Commitment to Carbon Reduction
This renewable energy initiative is part of Dublin Airport’s broader commitment to reduce its direct emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 51% by 2030, in alignment with the National Climate Action Plan. The airport’s capital investment plan, along with the Infrastructure Application submitted to Fingal County Council in December 2023, outlines projects totaling €400 million that aim to enhance sustainability and reduce emissions.
Andrea Carroll, daa Group Head of Environmental Sustainability, stated:
“The scale of this project marks a sizeable investment in future energy at Dublin Airport and a big shift away from fossil fuels. Solar energy is just one of the projects we are evaluating to reduce the direct emissions of our airport operations.”
Support from the Minister of State for Transport
Minister Jack Chambers expressed his approval of the project:
“I am very pleased to have been able to visit the new solar farm today at Dublin Airport and see first-hand how Dublin Airport is embracing sustainable energy practices in order to meet its commitment to reducing its emissions by 51% by 2030. The energy produced by the farm every year will be enough to power more than 10% of the airport’s electricity needs or the equivalent of 1,500 homes, which gives an indication of the scale of this project.”
Future Sustainability Initiatives
Dublin Airport is also exploring a second phase of the solar farm project and is actively pursuing additional renewable energy technologies, such as thermal storage and battery energy storage solutions (BESS). The ongoing deployment of energy-efficient technology across the campus includes LED lighting, fixed electrical ground power (FEGP) for aircraft, and upgrades to the electric vehicle (EV) fleet and charging points. The potential for other renewable energy sources, including geothermal energy, is being assessed. Recent initiatives have already resulted in a 90% reduction in carbon emissions from airside vehicles by switching from diesel to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).
Cork Airport’s Solar Power Plans
Cork Airport is also advancing its solar power initiatives. Plans are underway to design an elevated solar farm over the existing ‘Holiday Blue’ surface carpark, which will be submitted for planning within the next 12 months. The 1.8 MWp solar farm is expected to provide up to 30% of Cork Airport’s energy needs upon completion. Cork Airport has been recognized as the best-performing commercial semi-state body in terms of energy saving by SEAI for the past two years and has implemented various energy-saving measures, including a full LED campus replacement, renewal of runway lighting, a new electrical substation, energy management software, and the replacement of the light fleet with electric vehicles.
Vincent Harrison, daa Chief Commercial and Development Officer, emphasized the importance of these initiatives:
“While the aviation industry doesn’t have all the answers yet, daa is committed to halving the emissions under its direct control and today’s announcement is further evidence of the progress we are making. We have allocated €400 million to innovative sustainability initiatives and look forward to announcing more ambitious projects.”
For more information on Dublin Airport’s sustainability initiatives, visit the Dublin Airport website.
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