Shannon's new €3.6m solar farm set to supply 20% of annual airport needs

Ray O'Driscoll, Interim CEO The Shannon Airport Group, Minister for Climate, Environment & Energy, and Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, Conal Henry,Shannon Airport Group chair and Niall Kearns, airport director, at the launch of the new solar farm at the airport. Picture: Arthur Ellis

Shannon Airport has officially opened its €3.6m airfield-located solar PV farm, which is expected to supply 20% of the airports annual electricity needs.

The Shannon Airport Group's solar farm and an extension to the airport's European boarding gates were unveiled on Friday by climate, environment, and energy minister and transport minister Darragh O'Brien. The projects have a combined investment of €6.6m.

The 1.2-megawatt solar PV farm - comprising over 2,700 bifacial solar panels - has been installed on a 5.5-acre site within the airport’s airfield. Early trials indicate the installation is outperforming expectations, generating impressive levels of renewable energy including 100% of the terminal building’s full electricity requirement at certain times on peak days.

The solar farm was supported by a government grant of €1.5m, part of almost €2m in grant aid for Shannon under the government’s Regional State Airports Sustainability funding programme, with the remainder of the grant going towards upgrading the airport’s water system.

The €3m, 7,800 sq. ft extension to the airport’s passenger gates also includes 3,000 sq. ft of integrated external covered walkways offering extra protection from the elements to passengers as they move from boarding gate to aircraft.

Over €50m is being invested in airport infrastructure and commercial property at Shannon in 2025 and 2026.

“Today marks a significant step forward in our sustainability strategy and infrastructure development. The government support announced by Minister O’Brien in 2024 was much appreciated and will be instrumental in assisting us on our journey to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 51% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050," said Shannon interim CEO Ray O'Driscoll.

"It has augmented our efforts to implement innovative solutions that enhance energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and promote sustainable practices throughout our operations."