Shannon Airport is investing in renewable energy with plans for a 5.5 acre solar farm to produce its own green electricity.
The plans consist of ground mounted solar panels covering an area of 2.25ha on the south-west side of the airfield.
When operational the solar farm will create 1.2MW of renewable energy which will be used in the airport to reduce its carbon footprint.
“Solar projects like these have the potential to greatly reduce the energy demand from high consumers such as airports and industry,” said James Dorrian, Managing Director of EnergyEffciency.ie
“With the power expected to be consumed on site, this not only cuts the amount of fossil fuel used by large electricity consumers, but reduces the strain on the grid for everyone else.
A planning report for the project by TOBIN Consultant Engineers states, “the proposed solar PV development at Shannon Airport in Co. Clare holds great promise in terms of promoting sustainability, reducing operational costs, and enhancing energy security for the airport.”
“By leveraging renewable energy sources like solar power, Shannon Airport can demonstrate its commitment to environmental stewardship while reaping the benefits of clean energy generation”.
Airports have a significant energy demand from lighting, heating, cooling, and aircraft services the report states, and incorporating renewable sources into its operations will help to promote sustainability within the aviation sector.
The solar farm will also ensure that the airport has an uninterrupted supply of electricity which is not tied to the national grid, as well as reducing fossil fuel dependency.
The planning application by Shannon Airport Authority DAC is due to be decided by August 1, 2024.
This is one of multiple planning applications which the airport authority currently has before Clare County Council, with another seeking a massive expansion of car parking to add 1,051 new parking spaces.
Shannon Airport expects annual passenger numbers to reach the two million mark by the end of 2024, the first time they have done so since 2009.
Shannon Airport also features a number of public EV Charging Stations near the long and short stay car parks, with more expected to be installed around the airport campus.
