Alice Springs Airport in Australia is planning to expand its solar energy intake by adding 1,000 photovoltaic (PV) panels to a shaded car parkig area.
The A$1.9m (US$1.4m) project will begin in September 2015 and will increase the airport’s energy production capacity by approximately 40%. It currently receives more than half of its power needs from existing solar energy stations on site. The increase in solar energy capabilities will make it one of the biggest airport solar energy systems in the country.
Dave Batic, general manager at Alice Springs Airport, said, “Our solar power projects have been hugely successful for the business. We’re committed to further developing our solar energy capabilities, especially when it comes to thinking outside the square to make it happen.
“This latest phase will turn our entire long term car park into a solar energy station, and when it’s complete, it will offset the equivalent of 430 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. The combined total of our solar power output, more than 800kw, will offset a massive 1270 tons of annual carbon dioxide emissions.
“Alice Springs was the first Australian airport to see the benefits of investing in large scale PV technology that feeds back to our grid. Now, with a system large enough to power 280 homes for a year, we believe it’s one of the biggest airport solar stations in the country as well.”