Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Birmingham Airport attains solar ops milestone

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport attains solar ops milestone

With the sun shining on the region, Birmingham Airport has announced that following a multimillion-pound investment in solar last year, all operations are being powered by the recent sunny weather.

Above: Alpha Bund at Birmingham Airport.
Courtesy BHXt

In recent weeks, the airport’s 6.8-megawatt solar farm has been powering 100% of the organisation’s required energy usage during some parts of the day, exceeding pre-set targets and helping eliminate carbon emissions.
 
BHX started its solar energy journey in 2012 when it installed panels on the terminal roof.  To complement this, last year the airport invested nearly £10m in a solar farm, featuring over 12,000 panels. The airport then installed a third solar installation of 90kWh light-weight solar film on the roof of the North Terminal to maximise solar energy generation. Comprised of photoactive material, the thin film will help improve energy efficiency in the terminal by reflecting light and subsequently reducing heat.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

 
The transition from conventional power sources to solar energy will also reduce the airport’s reliance on the grid and limit exposure to market price volatility. Following these projects, last month, Birmingham Airport was shortlisted for the Energy Transition Impact Award at the Midlands Sustainability Excellence Awards 2025 in recognition of their extensive solar power projects.  
 
Advertisement
ODU RT

Commenting on the milestone Simon Richards, Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer of Birmingham Airport said: “The recent spring sunshine has yielded significant benefits for solar power generation at Birmingham Airport, and we’re delighted to be sustainably generating 100% of our peak daytime power requirements with solar energy.  
 
“Since switching on our £10 million Alpha Bund solar array last year, we have saved over 500 tonnes of carbon from being emitted – a significant reduction in our overall environmental impact. With a relentless focus on improving our sustainability credentials, we remain on track to becoming a net zero carbon airport by 2033 and this latest achievement is testament to our ongoing efforts to actively reduce our emissions.”

Advertisement
PTC PTC
Titan secures key accreditations

Aerospace Defence

Titan secures key accreditations

2 May 2025

Titan Manufacturing - based in Weymouth, Dorset - has achieved two significant accreditations that position the company as a trusted supplier for military and defence contracts.

EasyJet adds two more aircraft to its Birmingham Airport base

Aerospace

EasyJet adds two more aircraft to its Birmingham Airport base

2 May 2025

EasyJet is today celebrating the arrival of two additional aircraft at its Birmingham Airport base, supporting 800 jobs.

Aircraft orders up 73% in first quarter of 2025

Aerospace

Aircraft orders up 73% in first quarter of 2025

2 May 2025

A total of 521 aircraft orders were placed in the first quarter – representing a 73% increase compared to Q1 2024 – as demand rises for both single-aisle and wide-body aircraft, according to ADS.

ATOBA, easyJet and World Fuel sign MoU to develop SAF supply

Aerospace

ATOBA, easyJet and World Fuel sign MoU to develop SAF supply

1 May 2025

EasyJet and ATOBA Energy (ATOBA), in partnership with World Fuel Services (World Fuel), have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of long-term supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for easyJet’s operations in Europe and the UK.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Shipley UK and Kahootz partner to enhance opportunity capture

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Shipley UK and Kahootz partner to enhance opportunity capture

1 May 2025

Kahootz and Shipley UK have announced a strategic partnership to enhance opportunity capture and bid management capabilities.

Semiconductor facility launches in Southampton

Aerospace Defence Security Space Events

Semiconductor facility launches in Southampton

1 May 2025

A new facility using cutting edge electron beam technology to build the next generation of semiconductor chips - and the first of its kind in Europe - was opened yesterday at the University of Southampton by Science Minister Lord Vallance.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025