Work is under way to build a solar farm on the airfield at Bristol Airport.
The South West transport hub said when completed in the summer the 2.8 acre array of solar panels is expected to increase the amount of renewable energy generated on site to at least 16% of the airport’s direct energy needs over the year.
Bosses at the airport said the development was a “major component” in helping to deliver the airport’s ambition to operate a "net zero airfield, with net zero buildings and operate a net zero fleet of vehicles" by 2030.
The airport said the project, which is being delivered by solar assets installer 3ti, would also contribute towards its target of having 25% of its energy use generated by its own renewable sources by the end of 2025.
Read more: Cero Generation and Enso Energy open UK's first transmission-connected solar farm
Hannah Pollard, head of sustainability at Bristol Airport said: “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.”
Richard Lees, 3ti delivery director added: “We are delighted to be designing, installing and delivering this solar ground mount project for Bristol Airport and look forward to supporting their sustainable initiatives. This important project highlights the commitment of Bristol Airport in pursuing renewable energy sources.”
Bristol Airport is proceeding with a major investment in its terminal building, parking facilities, and public transport links, which it has said will help create 800 jobs across its operations and boost the South West economy by an estimated £430m.
A new Caffè Nero store recently opened in the main terminal following an investment of more than £500,000, while two new executive lounges, set to open in the summer.
The airport has also been ramping up its flight schedule in recent months, with airlines SWISS, RyanAir, Jet2 and EasyJet have all expanded their operations at Bristol airport within recent months.
It all comes after a legal challenge to the airport’s controversial plans to expand its maximum capacity from 10m to 12m passengers a year was dismissed by a High Court judge earlier this year.
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