Edinburgh airport has provided an update on the solar farm which is to be constructed on its airfield.

The project was originally announced last year and had been scheduled to be operational in 2022, but work is now set to start later this year, with completion forecast for March 2023.

The eleven-acre solar farm will provide 27 per cent of the energy needs at the airport (based on 2019 levels), and will be the first of its kind at a UK airport.

The project is being funded by the airport alongside the Scottish Government through its Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme, and will supply 40 electric charging points for staff and passengers through a 1.5MWh battery storage.

Edinburgh airport said that the solar farm would help it to meet its commitment to self-generate 25 per cent of its energy needs by 2030.

“We are excited to be the UK’s first airport to construct a solar farm on an airfield,” said Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh airport.

“This project illustrates our commitment to making environmental improvements and is something passengers will actually be able to see as they arrive or depart.”

Last year Edinburgh airport signed an agreement with renewable energy company Orsted, to collaborate on reducing emissions at the airport, and meet its target to reach net zero by 2040.

Edinburgh airport partners with Orsted to reach net zero target

edinburghairport.com