Tate Papworth
Melbourne Airport is in the process of creating a massive solar energy farm, it says will generate enough renewable energy to power all four of its passenger terminals.
The farm is set to be turned on in January 2021 and will generate nearly 15 per cent of the airport’s annual electricity consumption.
Melbourne Airport chief of landside access, utilities and facilities group Lorie Argus, said she was proud of the investment.
“With the airport’s electricity demand expected to grow, the construction of our solar farm makes sense for several reasons,” Ms Argus said.
“The project is expected to deliver significant annualised energy cost savings, a timely benefit with the impacts of COVID-19 wreaking havoc on the aviation industry.
“We are committed to growing the airport in an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable way. This renewable energy project is another chapter in that story.”
The installation is one of the largest in the country and the larges of any Australian airport.
The farm is being produced by Beon Energy Solutions with construction set to be complete next month.
Beon Energy Solutions general manager Glen Thomson said it’s an exciting project to be a part of.
“The airport location brings with it some unique complexities and challenges, which utilises our collective strengths,” Mr Thomson said.
“We congratulate Melbourne Airport on their investment and focus on innovative solutions to their growing energy needs and we look forward to continuing the relationship with similar projects across the airport precinct.”
