Glasgow International Airport (GLA) has opened a new solar farm on its site that is expected to produce around a quarter of the airport’s electricity. This project forms a major part of AGS Airports’ sustainability strategy, known as Horizons, which is aimed at eventually achieving net zero across the group’s sites. The completion of this project means the group has met its sustainability target for 2026 by generating 25% of renewable energy for Glasgow Airport.
AGS Airports Opens Solar Farm at Glasgow Airport
Located on airport land near Barnsfield Road, Glasgow International Airport (GLA) has opened a new solar farm that marks a significant milestone in the airport’s journey to improving its sustainability.
The solar farm is expected to be capable of generating enough renewable energy to meet a quarter of the airport’s on-site electricity demand. The multi-million-pound project was developed by the airport’s operator, AGS Airports, in partnership with energy transition advisor Ikiagi Group.
The project was funded and delivered by Zestec Renewable Energy, a supplier of renewable energy technology, who will also be responsible for managing and optimising infrastructure of the project over the long term.
AGS Airports is a private airport operator responsible for Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Southampton airports. The project is part of the group’s Horizons initiative, a sustainability and environmental, social and governance (EGS) strategy.
The solar farm is expected to save 1100 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year through the energy it produces from the 14,300 photovoltaic panels on the site.
The project is underpinned by its collaboration with SP Energy Network (SPEN), the electricity operator for southern and central Scotland. Martin Maxwell, the SPEN District General Manager for Ayrshire and Clyde South, celebrated the opening of the farm:
“It’s fantastic to see this new solar farm now up and running – powering a cleaner and greener future for AGS and Glasgow Airport and kickstarting a new era for this thriving transport hub. We’re proud to have played our part in bringing this project to life and working with AGS to ‘look ahead and act together’.”
AGS Airports Achieves Major Milestone in Reaching Sustainability Targets
The successful development of the solar panel farm means that AGS Airports has met its 2026 target of generating 25% of on-site energy for its Glasgow site through renewable sources by the end of this year.
The Executive Director of ESG and Sustainability at AGS Airports made a statement regarding the opening of the solar panel:
“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.”
Following the success of the project, assuming it is able to maintain generating a quarter of Glasgow Airport’s electricity, AGS have said that they are interested in looking at how the solar farm can be replicated at its other airport sites in Aberdeen and Southampton.
AGS Airports have also stated they are interested in being part of launching the UK’s first zero-emission passenger route. Trials completed earlier this year focused on how zero-emission aircraft could operate from existing and future aviation infrastructure in the years to come.
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