BIRMINGHAM Airport welcomed the Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, as it switched on a multi-million pound solar farm.
Airport bosses say the new 6.8-megawatt solar farm, made up of 12,000 panels will be responsible for providing at least 20 per cent of the airport’s electrical power requirement.
This is part of the airport’s commitment to beat the Government’s deadline and become net zero by 2033.
Evo Energy worked closely with the airport on the design and build plans with works commencing on the solar panel site last year at a cost of £9.7m.
With full plant usage today, these panels, at peak, will supply 6.8MW of power back to the airport, and it is anticipated it will save 1,285 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
Mr Kane, the Aviation, Maritime and Security Minister got to see the expanse of the solar panel site whilst on a tour of the airport.
He said: “It’s fantastic to see Birmingham Airport embrace our 2033 net zero mission.
“Their new solar farm, built with millions of pounds of investment, will produce almost a quarter of the electricity the airport needs over the coming years.
“It’s this sort of innovation and drive that will help the UK become a Clean Energy Superpower, and we will continue to support industry to achieve that goal.”
The minister also visited the Airport’s Air Traffic Control tower where he met Pena Mason, the first ever civilian Air Traffic Control Apprentice.
Pena has been on an incredible journey as a student of a partnership between Global ATS and Gloucester College who collaboratively designed the aerodrome course that Pena has excelled in and that will see her earn her ATCO licence and level five diploma.
Nick Barton, chief executive officer of Birmingham Airport said: “We are delighted to be the first airport the Aviation Minister has visited since his appointment. He saw first-hand the significant investments we are making at the airport and the progress we are making in sustainability and skills development.
“Our solar panels will ensure that at certain times of the year, during sunnier and warmer days, we will have no reliance on incoming power sources, key to our net zero target.”
