Solar Park
21,9 MWp installed capacity
In February 2020 Groningen Airport Eelde commissioned a groundbreaking solar park, the largest of its kind worldwide within the perimeter of an operational airport. The 21.9 MWp facility, consisting of more than 63,000 panels on 20 hectares of airside terrain, supplies clean energy for approximately 6,200 households annually.
We are ready!
The project is complete and is no longer being updated. For further inquiries, please contact the project lead
Objectives
- Maximise use of underutilized land within the airport boundary.
- Strengthen the airport’s energy self-sufficiency through locally generated renewable electricity.
Project Details
Start date: January 2016
Completion: February 2020
Leadpartner: Groenleven
Results
- A full technical design covering the solar park, solar corridor, and electric aircraft charging infrastructure.
- Completed studies on reflectivity, aviation safety, ecology, and grid capacity, including mitigation measures.
- Secured all necessary permits, such as environmental approval, nature protection, and aviation safety authorization, in collaboration with the municipality, province, and regulatory authority.
- Delivered the project, installation, construction, and connection, without disrupting flight operations.
- Commissioned the solar park with continuous monitoring; since 2020 the system delivers clean energy to the airport and the grid.
That is why I am pleased that at this airport, next to the solar park, a charging station for electric aircraft has also been installed. This too is a first in our country and a first step towards an emission-free future for aviation.
Role of Groningen Airport Eelde
Groningen Airport Eelde assumed responsibility for providing the site within the runway–taxiway zone, securing permits, and coordinating with aviation authorities. The airport maintained strict safety standards and uninterrupted service during construction and now benefits directly by using part of the green electricity to reduce its own footprint.
