Adelaide Airport to build Australia’s largest airport rooftop solar system

Adelaide Airport today announced it will build the largest airport rooftop solar power system in Australia, further enhancing its reputation as a leader in environmental sustainability.

The 1.17MW system, to be built on the short term car park roof by Solgen Energy, will reduce Adelaide Airport Ltd’s energy consumption and carbon emissions by close to 10 per cent.

It will be the largest private-sector solar system in South Australia and will be more than 10 times larger than the airport’s existing system, bringing the total rooftop solar capacity to 1.28MW.

Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Mark Young, said the solar system, made up of 4,500 panels, will be big enough to power the equivalent of more than 300 homes.

“Adelaide Airport is again proud to be an aviation industry leader in sustainability,” Mr Young said.

“This solar system significantly reduces our energy consumption, while assisting the State Government in achieving its renewable energy targets.

“Earlier this year we became the first airport in Australia to be recognised by the global Airport Carbon Accreditation program for optimising our management and reduction of carbon emissions.

“Adelaide Airport’s vision is to be a top tier airport business centre in the Asia Pacific region, and further improving our environmental credentials is a key part of this vision.”

Solgen Energy Director, David Naismith, said that the Adelaide Airport solar power system is an exciting project for the industry.

“This project further demonstrates the growing uptake of solar power as an integral part of any business’s energy mix, irrespective of industry.”

“Working within Adelaide Airport’s site constraints we engineered a bespoke solution to solve the delicate balance of optimising power output, while delivering a robust business case.”

“We’re excited about our partnership with Adelaide Airport to deliver a project that provides a cornerstone to the Airport’s environmental objectives showcased across 8,000 square meters of rooftop.” Mr Naismith said.

Adelaide Airport first installed solar panels on the roof of its domestic and international terminal in 2007.

Construction on the new solar system is expected to start in December and be completed by April 2016.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Mark Williams (Hughes Public Relations) on 0401 147 558

Donna Hudson (Solgen Energy) on 1300 660 704 or dhudson@solgen.com.au