Glasgow Airport opens solar farm set to supply 25% of its electricity

Glasgow Airport has opened a new solar farm which is expected to meet around a quarter of its on-site electricity demand.

The 10MW development, on airport land near Barnsford Road, comprises more than 14,300 photovoltaic panels.

It forms part of AGS Airports’ new Horizons sustainability strategy and is expected to save around 1,100 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year, based on grid electricity emissions.

The airport operator said it has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving net zero for its own emissions by 2035 and is now proposing similar infrastructure at Aberdeen International and Southampton airports.

Fiona Smith, Executive Director of ESG & Sustainability at AGS Airports, said: “The launch of Horizons marks an important moment for AGS Airports as we set out a clear vision for building a more sustainable future for our airports.

“Looking ahead, acting together captures our belief that meaningful progress can only be achieved through collaboration. The solar farm is an example of that approach in action and a major milestone on our sustainability journey.”

The project has been underpinned by its partnership with SP Energy Networks (SPEN), the electricity network operator for central and southern Scotland.

Martin Maxwell, SPEN’s District General Manager for Ayrshire and Clyde South, said: “It’s fantastic to see this new solar farm now up and running – powering a cleaner and greener future for AGS and Glasgow Airport and kickstarting a new era for this thriving transport hub. We’re proud to have played our part in bringing this project to life and working with AGS to ‘look ahead and act together’.”

The company has also set its sights on helping to deliver the UK’s first scheduled zero-emission passenger route.  

Earlier this year, AGS Airports supported the UK’s first real-world electric aviation demonstration programme with BETA Technologies’ all-electric ALIA aircraft completing flights across Scotland.

The trials showed how zero-emission aircraft could operate from existing airport infrastructure in the years ahead.

Kam Jandu, Chief Executive Officer at AGS Airports, said: “By generating clean energy on-site, we are reducing our carbon footprint, strengthening our energy resilience and creating long-term value for the airport and the communities we serve. 

“Horizons reflects our ambition not only to reduce our environmental impact but also to help shape the future of sustainable aviation. Horizons and the targets we have set ensure AGS Airports continues to lead by example.”