Solar power milestone at iGA Istanbul Airport

iGA Istanbul Airport has become the world’s first mega-airport to meet 100% of its electricity needs from solar energy, thanks to its Eskişehir Solar Power Plant.

Through this project, iGA Istanbul Airport now sources all electricity used in its operations from renewable energy, marking a landmark achievement in global aviation and a critical milestone on its path toward the 2050 Net Zero Emissions target.

As of 2026, iGA Istanbul Airport runs its operations entirely on green energy and is currently ahead of schedule of its 2050 Net Zero Emissions roadmap, arguably redefining global sustainability standards,

It states that its partnership with Eskişehir SPP is one of the most strategic steps in its energy transition and decarbonisation journey.

Airport CEO, Selahattin Bilgen, noted that sustainability is not a secondary aspect of its operationsm but rather its core foundation.

He enthused: “Our Eskişehir Solar Power Plant, came online in 2025, and is the strongest reflection of our sustainability-centred approach. In just 5 months, the SPP generated energy equivalent to 54% of our total annual electricity consumption.

“We are now able to meet 100% of our electricity needs within our scope from solar energy. This means one of the world’s largest airports is powered entirely by 100% renewable electricity – a first in aviation history.”

Emphasising that this achievement is about more than numbers, Bilgen is quick to point out that the SPP investment prevents 212,800 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

He added that Scope 1 and 2 emissions have been reduced by 27.8% compared to the 2019 baseline.

“We are well ahead of the pace envisioned by European airports. This is a source of pride for us and a powerful motivation to take even greater strides,” Bilgen remarked.

“The Eskişehir SPP has become a reference point, not just for İGA, but for all energy-intensive industries. As the first institution to achieve this transformation at this scale, we firmly believe that we do not have to choose between growth and protecting our planet.

“With the right vision, the right technology and a determined will, both are possible together. A cleaner future is not an unattainable goal, it is a reality we are putting into practice today.”

Built at a cost of €220 million, iGA Istanbul Airport’s Eskişehir Solar Power Plant (SPP) is viewed as an essential part of the airport’s sustainability investments and vision.

It stands as one of the largest renewable energy projects in the global aviation sector, has a capacity of 240 MW, and covers an area of approximately 3 million square metres.