One of the UK’s first airside solar farms opens at Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport, part of the VINCI Airports network, has officially inaugurated one of the UK’s first airside solar farms alongside Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes. The eleven-acre farm, located next to the airport’s runway, already provides around 27% of the airport’s energy needs. On several occasions this year, the airport has been able to operate entirely on solar power during daytime hours.

Image credt: Vinci Airports

The project is the first of its kind in Scotland and has been supported by £2.1m of Scottish Government funding aimed at helping businesses decarbonise as part of the route to net zero.

The airport has worked in partnership with solar experts AMPYR Solar Europe (ASE) to develop, fund and operate the project, which has been generating power since 2024, with 2025 marking its first full year of operation as the technology becomes an integral part of the airport’s energy mix.

Edinburgh Airport is aiming to be operationally net zero by 2030. It has already achieved a 90% reduction in its own emissions since 2019, and the solar farm is contributing towards the Zero Carbon pillar of its Greater Good sustainability strategy.

The airport is the only one in Scotland – and of 50 worldwide and six in the UK – to reach Level 4+ in the global Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme, which is spearheading the wider goal of net zero emissions across European and UK airports by 2030.

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport 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 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.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said, “It 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.”

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