Key Project Numbers

Project Status

Providing Edinburgh Airport with 9.7 MWp Renewable Energy

In 2021, AMPYR Solar Europe won Edinburgh Airport's tender to provide solar energy as part of the airport's Greater Good sustainability strategy goal to generate 27 per cent of its energy needs from renewable sources.

At the time of commissioning, it was the largest airside solar farm in the UK. It is a 9.7 MWp project with 1.5MW of battery storage covering an 11 acre site. The project also included a new incoming substation upgrade for the airport along with 40 EV chargers.

Airside challenges

Building a solar farm within close vicinity of the airport runway presented a number of challenges, particularly from the jet blast caused by aircraft as they taxi to the runway and take off. This was overcome by utilizing a non-traditional pile system with additional mounting support to mitigate panel pressure uplift. System design also required sign off from the civil aviation authority which considered several factors including glint and glare impact for the tower and the landing aircraft.

A highly regulated construction environment required close adherence to regulations and stringent health and safety requirements.

The project is underwritten by a 20-year fixed price PPA which will produce significant savings for the airport compared to importing from the grid, whilst also being 100% clean, renewable power.