Adelaide Airport has announced plans to significantly expand its solar energy capabilities by installing an additional 3,700 solar panels on its domestic and international terminal roof. This expansion will almost triple the size of its current solar system, reinforcing Adelaide Airport’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainability.
Presently, Adelaide Airport fully powers its operations with renewable energy sourced through a blend a on-site generation and purchase agreements. The source of this green energy includes the airport’s own solar installations and wind power procured from Iberdrola’s Lake Bonney wind farms located in South Australia.
The newly proposed 2.3MWp Photovoltaic (PV) solar system is expected to produce around 3,282MWh of energy each year. With this addition, the airport’s total solar capacity will reach 3.5MWp. This is substantial enough to supply electricity to approximately 1,000 homes. Currently, Adelaide Airport has solar systems on the multi-storey car park and a smaller system on the terminal roof which collectively generate 1.28MW.
Brenton Cox, Managing Director of Adelaide Airport, highlighted the importance of the project in the airport’s strategic energy plans. He stated, “This solar system will significantly increase Adelaide Airport’s cost-effective renewable team being capable to self-generate 15 per cent of our airport precinct electricity needs from onsite renewable energy.”
“Our purpose is to proudly connect and shape South Australia, our vision is to be everyone’s favourite airport and sustainability is a core feature of our strategic plan. Cost effective, renewable energy is important for the long-term sustainability of our organisation and our partners,” he added.
In support of these efforts, Ross Rolfe, AO, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Iberdrola Australia, shared his views on the partnership. “We are delighted to be supporting Adelaide Airport in achieving their sustainability goals. The combination of initiatives being pursued – including the rooftop solar and 100% renewable retail energy contract provided by Iberdrola Australia – show their deep commitment to decarbonisation and energy efficiency. They are demonstrating that a bright future is possible for Australia’s airports,” said Rolfe.
The installation at the airport will include roughly 3,700 solar panels and 16 inverters. The completion of the construction is anticipated in early 2025.
Adelaide Airport’s relationship with Iberdrola Australia has been established through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) designed to cover 100 per cent of the airport’s remaining Internal Use electricity demands with renewable energy. This agreement, alongside the renewable energy certificates from Iberdrola’s Lake Bonney wind farms, has enabled Adelaide Airport to have zero scope 2 emissions.
The airport has undertaken several other initiatives aimed at environmental sustainability. These include accelerating the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels, upgrading airport lighting to LED technology, and enhancing energy efficiency through the optimisation of equipment and processes to cut down energy consumption and emissions.
With this latest initiative, Adelaide Airport continues to lead in the implementation of sustainable practices within Australia’s aviation industry, aiming for a greener, more efficient future.
