Adelaide Airport Expands Rooftop Solar Capacity
Adelaide Airport, the fifth largest airport in Australia, has announced ambitious plans to significantly increase its rooftop solar capacity by nearly tripling the number of solar panels. The new 2.3MW solar system, to be installed by Iberdrola Australia, will see over 3,700 additional panels added to both the domestic and international terminal buildings. This expansion comes on top of the existing 1.28MW of photovoltaic (PV) capacity, with 1.17MW already in place on the airport’s short-term car park.
The airport’s solar car park system, which was completed in 2016, supplemented the initial terminal rooftop array established back in 2007. This development brought the total solar capacity to 1.28MW, contributing approximately 10 per cent of the airport’s electricity requirements. Adelaide Airport currently sources 100% of its electricity from renewables, primarily through agreements with the three Lake Bonney wind farms. The new rooftop system will further enhance the airport’s self-generated solar power, offering a cost-effective and sustainable energy solution.
Commitment to Sustainability
Managing director Brenton Cox expressed the airport’s commitment to sustainability, stating that the project will enable Adelaide Airport to surpass its goal of generating 15 per cent of its electricity needs from onsite renewable sources. Cox emphasised that sustainability is a key aspect of the airport’s strategic plan, aiming to be a preferred choice for travellers while prioritising environmental responsibility. The move towards renewable energy is not only economically beneficial but also aligns with the long-term sustainability objectives of the organisation and its partners.
Competing in the Solar Arena
Although Adelaide Airport held the title for Australia’s largest airport solar installation with its 1.17MW rooftop system, this record was later surpassed by other major airports in the country. Brisbane Airport took the lead in 2019 with a 5.725MW installation comprising nearly 21,000 solar panels across multiple sites. Melbourne Airport currently boasts the largest airport solar facility in Australia, with a 12MW solar farm situated at Oaklands Junction. This facility, operational since 2021, is set to be complemented by a second 7.5MW solar farm adjacent to the existing site, collectively expected to generate 34GWh of electricity annually, meeting 40 per cent of the airport’s power needs.
As airports across Australia embrace solar energy to reduce their carbon footprint and operational costs, Adelaide Airport’s expansion of solar capacity underscores its dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship in the aviation sector.
