Dublin Airport
Delivering large-scale solar energy for Ireland’s busiest airport
THE COMPANY
Connecting Ireland to the world
Dublin Airport is Ireland’s largest and busiest airport, operated by DAA. As a major international gateway, it supports tourism, trade and business, with electricity required across its terminals, airfield and wider campus.
For an organisation operating at this scale, reducing the environmental impact of its infrastructure is a significant undertaking. On-site renewable generation provides a practical opportunity to supply part of that demand while supporting long-term decarbonisation.
THE CHALLENGE
Bringing renewable generation into a major airport campus
Dublin Airport needed a solar solution capable of making a meaningful contribution to its electricity requirements. The opportunity was to use available land within the campus to generate renewable electricity close to where it would be consumed.
The project also needed to support a wider sustainability programme. Dublin Airport has committed to reducing its direct Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 51% by 2030 and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest. Solar generation forms part of that approach alongside energy efficiency, fleet electrification and other infrastructure improvements.
THE PROJECT
A 9 MW airport solar energy system designed and delivered by Greenvolt Next
Greenvolt Next designed, constructed and installed a ground-mounted solar farm on the Dublin Airport campus. Following planning permission in 2023, construction began in March 2024.
The design positioned the panels facing south at a tilt of 20 degrees to capture sunlight. This approach converted available campus land into a renewable energy asset serving the airport’s operational electricity needs.
Located close to the south runway, the solar farm spans approximately 28 acres. The completed first phase was officially inaugurated in April 2025 by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between DAA and Greenvolt Next.
At the official opening, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien welcomed the investment and its contribution to Dublin Airport’s environmental commitments.
”Dublin Airport’s announcement today of its commitment to expanding its solar farm is very welcome.
Darragh O’Brien TDMinister for Transport
Key numbers that
speak for themselves
9
MW
Installed Capacity
14,560
solar panels
1,846
ton
Estimated annual CO₂ savings
~10-13
%
Share of airport electricity requirements
THE IMPACT
Renewable electricity supporting everyday airport operations
The first phase generates enough electricity to meet approximately 10–13% of Dublin Airport’s annual demand. Its output is sufficient to cover the electricity requirements of the airfield, with surplus generation contributing to consumption across the terminals and campus.
Generating electricity on-site reduces the amount required from the national grid and makes solar a direct part of the airport’s energy supply. The project demonstrates the contribution renewable energy can make within a major transport hub.
”Dublin Airport demonstrates what can be achieved when large-scale solar is built around an organisation’s operational needs. We’re proud to have delivered a project that is making a meaningful contribution to the airport’s electricity supply while supporting daa’s long-term decarbonisation ambitions. It reflects our team’s ability to deliver renewable energy infrastructure at scale for some of Ireland’s most demanding environments.
John CartyCCO Greenvolt Next Ireland & UK
LOOKING AHEAD
Building towards 20% solar electricity by 2030
At the first-phase launch, DAA announced plans for approximately 6,000 additional panels by late 2027, subject to planning permission. The proposed expansion was expected to supply another 4–6% of annual electricity demand—equivalent to the requirements of the baggage systems in both terminals.
Together with a longer-term solar development roadmap, the expansion would support Dublin Airport’s ambition to meet 20% of its annual electricity needs through on-site solar by 2030.
9 MW of installed solar capacity, supporting approximately 10–13% of Dublin Airport’s annual electricity requirements.
SEE THE PROJECT IN ACTION
Discover Dublin Airport’s solar transformation
Take a closer look at the solar farm and how Greenvolt Next is helping Dublin Airport generate renewable electricity on-site.
Discover what solar could do for your business
From major transport infrastructure to manufacturing and commercial facilities, Greenvolt Next develops solar solutions around each organisation’s site and energy requirements.
Speak to our team about generating renewable electricity on-site and supporting your organisation’s energy transition.
