Glasgow Airport has announced plans for a 30acre ground-mounted solar farm on its site.
The c.15MW solar farm is already in the early stages of development and is expected to be operational by summer 2023, subject to planning approval. It will generate enough power for the airport campus and neighbouring businesses.
Glasgow Airport owner AGS, which also owns Aberdeen and Southampton airports, anticipates additional demand from the electrification of operational vehicles, taxis, rental cars that will require electric vehicle charging infrastructure. It plans to launch a green car scheme to help its staff switch to electric vehicles. AGS is also procuring ‘internet of things’ services to reduce its overall energy consumption by using digital technology, machine learning and artificial intelligence.
AGS recently announced the Scottish Wind Energy Consortium with Katrick Technologies and the University of Strathclyde. The consortium aims to exploit low-level wind energy.
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.
Roberto Castiglioni, co-founder of net zero consultancy Ikigai, which is working with AGS, said: “AGS have always understood the importance of a holistic approach to the decarbonisation challenge and the importance of starting with quick wins to generate traction with stakeholders.”
AGS Airports Limited is jointly held by Ferrovial (via Faero UK Limited) and AGS Airports International Sarl (a Luxembourg company that is majority owned by Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund 4 and managed by Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (Europe) Limited).