ONE of the UK’s first airside solar farms has officially opened at Edinburgh Airport in a bid to secure a green future for the transport hub.
Located adjacent to Edinburgh Airport’s runway, the 11-acre farm will provide approximately 27% of the airport’s overall energy requirements.
Bosses at the airport said that on several occasions so far this year, the airport has operated solely on solar power between 8.30am and 7pm, which they say demonstrates the potential of renewable energy.
The first of its kind project in Scotland received £2.1 million of Scottish Government funding aimed at helping businesses decarbonise as part of the route to net zero.
Edinburgh Airport worked in partnership with solar experts AMPYR Solar Europe (ASE) to develop, fund and operate the project, which has been generating power since 2024, with 2025 marking its first full year of operation.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said the Scottish Government is committed to working with the private sector to accelerate Scotland’s transition to a net zero future.
She said: “Edinburgh Airport’s solar farm is a fantastic example of how government support, combined with private sector appetite and expertise, can deliver real and lasting change.
“By generating clean energy on site, this pioneering project is not only helping one of the country’s most important transport hubs cut emissions but also supporting green jobs, energy resilience and sustainable economic growth.
“I am proud that Scottish Government funding has played a part in making this vision a reality and showing the kind of leadership we need on the journey to net zero.”
Bosses at Edinburgh Airport said they are working hard to reduce its emissions so that they can achieve their net zero aspiration of 2030.
They added the airport has achieved a 90% reduction in its own emissions since 2019, and that the solar farm will be a huge contributing factor to reaching their goals.
The airport is the only one in Scotland to reach Level 4+ in the global Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme, and is one of just 50 worldwide and six in the UK.
Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport welcomed the opening of the solar farm which he said will be “key” in their net zero plans.
He said: “Making sure we have a sustainable future is one of our most important goals, and it’s important that we innovate and harness technology that can help deliver that for the airport.
“The introduction of the UK’s first airfield solar farm is a key part of our Greater Good sustainability strategy, delivering almost 27% of our energy needs and diversifying our energy mix – and we are proud to be an airport that continues to look to innovative solutions to meet our goals.
“It also demonstrates how government and the private sector can work together to help deliver a more sustainable Scotland alongside, in our case, the benefits of air travel and connectivity to the economy.”
