The first phase of the solar park’s construction is expected to be completed in summer 2024. Image: Ikigai.

Glasgow Airport has reached financial close for a 19.9MW solar plant in partnership with consultancy firm, Ikigai Group.

The 40-acre ground-mount solar farm will be located on Glasgow Airport-owned land, next to Barnsford Road and will be owned and operated by renewable energy asset management firm, Zestec Renewable Energy.

In summer 2021, Zestec entered into a partnership with Octopus Energy to deliver over £100 million of new build UK solar assets.

With approximately £18.5 million being invested into the project, construction of the solar farm is expected to begin in the coming months. The solar farm will be built in phases to accommodate the growing demand of both the airport and neighbouring businesses, that will also have access to renewable energy produced by the site.

The first phase of construction is expected to be completed in summer 2024.

“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,” said Helena Anderson, chief operating officer at the Ikigai Group.

“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.”