The first solar farm on an airfield in Ireland has been officially opened at Shannon Airport.
The €3.6 million solar farm, comprising over 2,700 bifacial solar panels, is expected to supply up to 20% of the airport's annual electricity needs.
Shannon Airport Group said early trials indicate the installation is outperforming expectations, generating impressive levels of renewable energy, including 100% of the terminal building’s full electricity requirement at certain times on peak days.
Located on a 5.5 acre site, the solar farm was officially opened by Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, and Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien.
"The Shannon Airport solar farm is a shining example of how targeted investment and innovation can deliver real progress on our climate goals," Minister O’Brien said.
"This demonstrates the kind of leadership we need to transition to a cleaner, more secure energy future."
Ray O'Driscoll, Interim CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, said Government support for the solar farm project was much appreciated and "will be instrumental in assisting us on our journey to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 51% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050".
In addition to the solar farm, a €3 million extension to the airport’s passenger gates was also opened.
It provides 4,800 sq ft of new internal space, and 3,000 sq ft of integrated external covered walkways for passengers as they move from boarding gates to aircraft.
The airport said it will improve accessibility and streamlines passenger flow.
The solar farm and the work completed on passenger gates 1-5 are part of an ongoing investment programme underway across the group which will see over €50 million invested in airport infrastructure and commercial property this year and next.
