Ikigai Group, a leading energy transition adviser and developer, together with Zestec Renewable Energy, have announced the successful energisation of a 10MW solar PV plant at Glasgow Airport. Developed in partnership with AGS Airports, the project was supported by Ikigai from inception through to energisation, including securing the investment partner. Zestec Renewable Energy funded, delivered and energised the first phase, with RSK Group acting as contractor.
AGS Airports has unveiled the completion of the solar farm as part of their program Horizons – Looking ahead, acting together – and celebrated a major sustainability milestone as Glasgow Airport’s solar farm begins generating enough renewable electricity to meet around 25% of the airport’s on-site demand.
The first phase of the 10MW farm located on Glasgow Airport land near Barnsford Road has been funded and delivered by Zestec Renewable Energy, who will manage and optimise the infrastructure long-term.
Comprising more than 14,300 photovoltaic panels, the development generates renewable energy to help power airport operations and reduce reliance on energy from the grid.
The solar farm is a key initiative within Horizons, AGS Airports’ sustainability & ESG strategy, which sets out the group’s long-term ambitions across four strategic pillars:
- Achieving Net Zero
- Supporting Our Communities
- Supporting Our People
- Innovation
Under the strategy, AGS Airports has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving net zero for its own emissions by 2035 while continuing to create positive impacts for the communities it serves, investing in its people and championing innovation across the aviation sector.
Fiona Smith, Executive Director of ESG & Sustainability at AGS Airports, said, “The launch of Horizons marks an important moment for AGS Airports as we set out a clear vision for building a more sustainable future for our airports. Looking ahead, acting together captures our belief that meaningful progress can only be achieved through collaboration. The solar farm is an example of that approach in action and a major milestone on our sustainability journey.”
The opening of the farm sees AGS Airports achieve another of its targets, generating 25% of on-site renewable energy for its own use at Glasgow Airport by the end of 2026, improving energy efficiency across its airport operations.
The solar farm is also expected to save around 1100 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) based on grid electricity emissions per year.
Toby Smith, Chief Operating Officer at Zestec, said, “With the solar farm now operational, we look forward to supporting the airport over the long term and helping maximise the benefits of the clean energy it generates.”
Helena Anderson, Chief Operating Officer at Ikigai, commented, “We supported Glasgow Airport from inception to energisation, jointly developing the onsite generation project and securing the most competitive investor. It is rewarding to see that collaboration now delivering clean, competitively priced electricity for the airport.”
The success of the project has been underpinned by strong partnership with SP Energy Networks (SPEN), the electricity network operator for central and southern Scotland
Looking to the future, innovation will remain a core focus of the Horizons strategy, with attention now turning to how the success of the solar farm can be replicated at Aberdeen International and Southampton airports. The company has also set its sights on helping to deliver the UK’s first scheduled zero-emission passenger route.
Earlier this year, AGS Airports supported the UK’s first real-world electric aviation demonstration programme with BETA Technologies’ all-electric ALIA aircraft completing flights across Scotland.
The trials showed how zero-emission aircraft could operate from existing airport infrastructure in the years ahead.
Kam Jandu, Chief Executive Officer at AGS Airports, commented, “Horizons reflects our ambition not only to reduce our environmental impact but also to help shape the future of sustainable aviation. Horizons and the targets we have set ensure AGS Airports continues to lead by example.”
