GLASGOW Airport has launched plans to build what it says will be the largest solar farm at a Scottish airport.
It comes as part of its ongoing commitment to decarbonise its infrastructure and achieve net zero by the mid-2030s.
The 30-acre onsite, ground mounted solar farm would give the airport the capability to generate enough power for its campus and neighbouring businesses.
The solar farm is currently in the ‘early stages’ of development, with the airport expecting it to be operational by summer 2023 – subject to planning approval.
Derek Provan, chief executive of Glasgow Airport’s parent group, 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.”
