The Solar Farm at Groningen Eelde

Groningen Airport's solar farm is located in the middle of the airport between the runway, taxiway and apron. It was constructed by GroenLeven and comprises 63,196 panels. These panels are capable of producing 21.9 megawatts of electricity, enough to supply around 6,200 homes.

A covered walkway has been built from the terminal to the apron and is also fitted with solar panels. We are able to produce enough electricity to be self-sufficient.

Trendsetting

Unique, progressive and trendsetting: the largest solar farm in the world at a working airport. The construction of the solar farm is a unique project and the first time in the world that a solar farm has been constructed in this way.

The solar farm, constructed by GroenLeven lies in the middle of the airport and is located between the main runway, taxiway and the platform. A total of 63,196 solar panels have been installed, which are capable of producing provide a 21.9 MW of electricity, enough to supply around 6,200 homes.

Making the airport greener

The presence of the solar farm is an important step towards making the airport greener. We believe it is important to follow the latest developments in this area and to see how we can contribute. We are looking at various options, such as generating synthetic kerosene or facilitating the electrification of small aeroplanes in the future. The solar farm is one development within our wider approach regarding sustainability within Groningen Airport.

Groningen Airport's solar farm is unique, partly due to the fact that so many specific conditions had to be met before construction. One of these is security, which of course already plays an important part in airport operations. Our solar farm serves as an example for many other locations and projects. Not just other airports, but also applications in sectors that, just like an airport, have to deal with high or special security requirements such as the chemical sector.

Covered walkway

A covered walkway has been built from the terminal to the aircraft allowing passengers to board in the dry. On the roof are solar panels which will allow the airport to generate its own electricity and become completely self sufficient.

The Groningen Eelde Airport Solar Farm

A unique project

A solar farm in the middle of an airport is unique and Eelde is the first airport in the world to have such a farm in its midst. The project is unique as special regulations are required following strict safety guidelines. For example it is only possible to transport materials to the farm once a day.

A solar farm goes a long way in our ambition to make the airport 'greener'. We consider it vital to keep up to date with developments in this field and to see how the airport can further improve.

Covered walkways

Covered walkways have been built from the terminal to the waiting aircraft allowing passengers to board in the dry. The roofs of these walkways are fitted with solar panels which will allow the airport to generate its own electricity and become completely self sufficient.