Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Work on Scotland's largest airport-based solar farm gets underway

Aerospace

Work on Scotland's largest airport-based solar farm gets underway

Work to create Scotland’s largest airport-based solar farm is now underway following the successful completion of the development phase of the project.

Image courtesy Glasgow Airport / VINCI Airports

Glasgow Airport, in partnership with leading energy transition adviser and developer Ikigai Group, has completed the development phase and the subsequent successful financial close for a 19.9MW solar plant with Zestec Renewable Energy. Approximately £18.5 million is being invested to create the solar farm.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

The 40-acre ground-mounted solar farm, to be located on Glasgow Airport-owned land next to Barnsford Road, will be built in phases to accommodate the current and future demand of the airport as well as neighbouring businesses which will be able to access low-cost, green energy. Construction will take place over the coming months, with completion of the first phase expected in summer 2024.

The plant will be owned and operated by Zestec, who are owned by funds managed by Octopus Energy Generation, and on completion will produce enough energy equivalent to powering light for approximately 15% of homes in the city of Glasgow.

In addition to being a key component of the airport’s Sustainability Strategy, the project is the cornerstone of its vision to create an energy hub which will also help local industry decarbonise and reduce energy costs.

Ronald Leitch, Operations Director of Glasgow Airport, said: "The development of the solar farm marks a key milestone in our sustainability journey by giving the airport the ability to generate clean energy on-site.

“This will advance our plans to decarbonise our own operations while supporting the net-zero ambitions of our airport partners and neighbours. Importantly, it also creates the foundation to turn the airport into an energy hub and allows us to progress our plans to support zero emission flight. We are looking forward to working with Ikigai and Zestec, both of whom share our vision for a sustainable future.”

The Ikigai Group, known for its expertise in advising on and developing renewable projects for large infrastructure operators, funded and carried out the development of the project.

Helena Anderson, Chief Operating Officer of the Ikigai Group, stated: “This project is part of our Energy Innovation advisory mandate to create a low-carbon, multi-fuel, multi-modal energy hub, future proofing the airport’s infrastructure. We are currently working with the airport on additional on-site energy solutions, including the roll out of EV charging and green hydrogen production, with low-cost, private wire solar energy as the enabler."

Advertisement
ODU RT

Following a successful tender process led by Ikigai, Zestec was selected as the preferred partner to undertake the development, including construction, procurement and operation of the project.

Toby Smith, Chief Operating Officer of Zestec, commented on the acquisition: "We are excited to include this solar plant in our growing family of behind-the-meter solutions designed to help Glasgow Airport decarbonise its operations. Our collaboration with the airport and Ikigai aligns perfectly with our goals.”

 

 

Advertisement
Babcock LB
Lars Wagner to become CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft

Aerospace

Lars Wagner to become CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft

10 July 2025

Lars Wagner, currently Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTU Aero Engines AG, based in Munich, will join the Airbus Executive Committee and succeed Christian Scherer as CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business, effective 1st January 2026.

Avelia to transform into multiple SAF supplier solution

Aerospace

Avelia to transform into multiple SAF supplier solution

10 July 2025

One of the largest suppliers of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), Shell Aviation, along with Accenture and American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), has announced today that Avelia is in the process of evolving into an industry solution with independent data hosting and a multisupplier model helping users access the greenhouse gas (GHG) ...

AI firms collaborate with Heathrow to enhance operations

Aerospace

AI firms collaborate with Heathrow to enhance operations

9 July 2025

Heathrow is harnessing advanced technology to make aircraft ground operations faster, smarter and more seamless across 116 gates at Terminals Two, Three and Five, as part of a strategic collaboration with IAG and Assaia.

Viasat test boosts business jet in-flight connectivity

Aerospace

Viasat test boosts business jet in-flight connectivity

8 July 2025

Viasat today announced a milestone for its JetXP business aviation in-flight broadband service, following recent test flights that successfully connected the Global Aero Terminal (GAT) 5510 to a ViaSat-3 satellite for the first time.

Advertisement
Teledyne
ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 advances student innovation

Aerospace

ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 advances student innovation

8 July 2025

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced major student and faculty achievements resulting from the use of ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 Flight Simulator, which provides hands-on experience in aircraft design and performance evaluation, directly contributing to a growing body of student-led research and academic ...

Birmingham Airport sees busiest ever June

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport sees busiest ever June

8 July 2025

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has had its busiest June ever, with a record 1,360,957 passengers travelling through the airport last month.

Advertisement
ODU RT