Work started this month on a 2.6-acre solar farm on the airfield at Bristol Airport in the southwest of England.

The solar panels (combined with the existing roof mounted panels at the administration building and the car rental consolidation site) will be expected to increase the renewable energy generated on site to at least 16% of the airport’s direct energy needs over the year. All power generated would be consumed onsite. 

The development is also a major component in helping meet Bristol’s ambitions to be a Net Zero airport for its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.  Equally, the solar panels are essential for the airport to meet its target of having 25% of its energy use generated by its own renewable sources by the end of 2025.

“We are delighted to see this exciting project take shape, creating our first onsite solar farm.  This is a huge first step in exploring renewable energy that will be consumed on site. This project highlights our commitment to making continual improvements now and in the future,” said Hannah Pollard, Bristol Airport head of sustainability.

The solar farm is expected to be complete by summer 2023.

Image: Bristol Airport