UK Aviation Minister visits Birmingham Airport’s new solar farm

The UK’s Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, has visited Birmingham Airport’s new 6.8-megawatt solar farm, made up of 12,000 panels, responsible for providing at least 20% of the airport’s electrical power requirement.

Birmingham Airport has committed to beat the government’s deadline and become net zero by 2033. An ambitious target that the multi-million-pound sustainable investment will contribute to as it is less reliant on the Grid.

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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 £9.7 million.

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 CO2 per year.

Airport CEO, Nick Barton, noted: “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.”

Aviation, Maritime and Security Minister, Kane, 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.”

Birmingham Airport is gearing up for sustainable growth and over the next decade and will invest over £300m in terminal and airfield infrastructure, alongside initiatives that will deliver sustainable growth.