VINCI Airports launches one of the UK’s first airside solar farms 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 was able to operate entirely on solar power during daytime hours.
The project is the first of its kind in Scotland and has been supported by £2.1 million of Scottish Government funding aimed at helping businesses decarbonise as part of the route to net zero, a transition in which the airport is already deeply invested. Edinburgh airport is the only one in Scotland to reach Level 4+ in the global Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme - one of just 50 worldwide and six in the UK. As part of VINCI Airports’ global environmental action plan, the solar farm strengthens the network’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions (scope 1 & 2) across its European and UK airports by 2030.
To deliver this solar farms project, 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.
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 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. 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.”
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “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 govern-ment 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.”
