Birmingham Airport has enlisted the help of npower to install a 50kWp solar array on the roof of its terminal.
The 200 solar modules are expected to generate over 40,000kWh of electricity a year, saving 22 tonnes of carbon dioxide in the process; enough to power 12 average sized homes.
The solar installation forms part of the airport’s wider vision to improve energy management and reduce its carbon footprint.
Paul Kehoe, Birmingham Airport’s CEO, said: “It’s exciting for the Airport to present such a visible commitment to energy reduction. Managing our greenhouse gas emissions is a high priority for the company and we’re always seeking new opportunities to work with partners to reduce our carbon footprint.”
Graham Ryott, Development Manager at npower, added: “Birmingham Airport is committed to a sustainable future so installing solar PV as a way of generating energy is fundamental to its ongoing programme in reducing its environmental impact.
“As one of the busiest Airports in the country, Birmingham is understandably a large energy user but supplementing its energy use with on-site generation is a positive step for the site’s future.”
After initial meetings in October, npower was able to complete full site surveys, detailed designs, installation and commissioning in just over six weeks, ensuring the array was commissioned before swingeing cuts to the feed-in tariff rate were introduced by Government. As a result, Birmingham Airport has already seen a reduction in its energy consumption since the panels were installed in December.
