Edinburgh Airport’s ‘pioneering’ solar farm praised by deputy first minister

Scotland’s deputy first minister has said an airside solar power project, which can provide more than a quarter of an airport’s electricity is a “fantastic example” of “real and lasting change”.

Kate Forbes was speaking as she officially opened an 11-acre solar farm, which is adjacent to the runway at Edinburgh Airport.

Capable of generating approximately 27% of the airport’s power needs, bosses said there have been times this year when the airport has operated solely on solar energy between 8.30am and 7pm.

The project, which was supported with £2.1m of Scottish Government cash, is said to be the first of its kind in Scotland.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes hailed the ‘pioneering project’ (Andrew Milligan/PA) PA Media

It was developed as Edinburgh Airport seeks to reduce its own emissions to net zero by 2030, with the airport saying it has already reduced these by 90% from 2019.

Airport chief executive Gordon Dewar said: “Making sure we have a sustainable future is one of our most important goals, and it’s important that we innovate and harness technology that can help deliver that for the airport.

“The introduction of the UK’s first airfield solar farm is a key part of our Greater Good sustainability strategy, delivering almost 27% of our energy needs and diversifying our energy mix – and we are proud to be an airport that continues to look to innovative solutions to meet our goals.”

Mr Dewar said the scheme “also demonstrates how Government and the private sector can work together to help deliver a more sustainable Scotland alongside, in our case, the benefits of air travel and connectivity to the economy”.

Forbes stressed the Scottish Government is “committed to working with the private sector to accelerate Scotland’s transition to a net zero future”.

The deputy first minister said: “Edinburgh Airport’s solar farm is a fantastic example of how Government support, combined with private sector appetite and expertise, can deliver real and lasting change.

“By generating clean energy on site, this pioneering project is not only helping one of the country’s most important transport hubs cut emissions but also supporting green jobs, energy resilience and sustainable economic growth.

“I am proud that Scottish Government funding has played a part in making this vision a reality and showing the kind of leadership we need on the journey to net zero.”

The airport worked with solar experts AMPYR Solar Europe (ASE) to develop, fund and operate the project, which has been generating power since 2024

Tarun Agrawal, chief executive of ASE, said: “The commitment shown by Scottish Government has critically provided certainty and confidence, and we look forward to contributing further to Scotland’s energy transition.”