Southeastern Europe's Airports Embracing Renewable Energy with Solar Power

Airports in Southeastern Europe are actively transitioning to renewable energy sources, with a focus on solar power, to reduce their carbon footprint and environmental impact. This trend is driven by the increasing adoption of photovoltaics on surfaces around infrastructure, such as railways and motorways, and the global trend of introducing photovoltaics and electrifying operations. Istanbul and Athens airports are leading the way, aiming to switch to 100% solar power, making them some of the first in the world. Additionally, airports in the region are increasing energy efficiency, rolling out electric vehicle fleets, and introducing resource, waste, and wastewater management systems to decarbonize their operations.

Key Takeaways:

• Istanbul and Athens airports are planning to switch to 100% solar power, making them some of the first in the world.
• Airports in Southeastern Europe are increasing energy efficiency, rolling out electric vehicle fleets, and introducing resource, waste, and wastewater management systems to decarbonize operations.
• The operator of Kuks International Airport in Albania is in the process of obtaining a license to generate and trade electricity from a 12 MW solar power plant.
• The Vlora International Airport in Albania will be covered with a 5.2 MW solar panel system, with a consortium led by Swiss-based Mabco Constructions building and financing the construction.
• Zagreb Airport in Croatia has installed a 250 kW photovoltaic unit and plans to expand it soon, with the operator committing to cutting emissions in accordance with IPCC recommendations.
• Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos has commissioned several solar parks, including an 8.05 MW park in 2011, a 15.8 MW park in 2023, and two more units with a combined peak capacity of 35.5 MW this year, along with a 82 MWh energy storage system.
• IGA Istanbul Airport has seen a 10.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 compared to its goal, with the operator aiming to cover almost all its energy needs from renewable sources by the end of the decade.
• Several airports in Turkey are decarbonizing their electricity systems, including Dalaman Airport, which hosts the world's largest rooftop solar power plant among airport terminals, with a 8.3 MW capacity.
• In Romania, Iai International Airport is expanding its 1 MW solar power plant, supported with a grant from the European Union's Modernisation Fund, while Maramure International Airport is seeking funding for a 2.6 MW solar power system with battery storage.
• Other airports in the region, such as Cluj International Airport Avram Iancu, Bacau International Airport George Enescu, and Sibiu International Airport, are also planning to install solar power systems and energy storage units.

Statistics:

• Istanbul and Athens airports aim to switch to 100% solar power.
• 12 MW solar power plant being built in Albania.
• 5.2 MW solar panel system to be installed at Vlora International Airport in Albania.
• 250 kW photovoltaic unit installed at Zagreb Airport in Croatia.
• 8.05 MW solar park commissioned by Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos in 2011.
• 15.8 MW solar park commissioned by Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos in 2023.
• 35.5 MW solar power system and 82 MWh energy storage system to be installed at Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos.
• 8.3 MW solar power plant hosted by Dalaman Airport in Turkey.
• 10.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 compared to the goal for IGA Istanbul Airport.
• 50% to 90% increase in renewable energy target for IGA Istanbul Airport by 2030.
• 199.3 MW solar power plant to be built by IGA Istanbul Airport.
• 340 GWh per year estimated electricity generation from the PV park at IGA Istanbul Airport.

Sources:

• "Airports in Southeastern Europe embracing solar power" (Global Data Point, 2022)
• "Kuks International Airport operator to obtain license for 12 MW solar power plant" (Albanian Times, 2022)
• "Vlora International Airport to cover 5.2 MW solar panel system" (Albanian Times, 2022)
• "Zagreb Airport installs 250 kW photovoltaic unit" (Croatian Times, 2022)
• "Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos commissions 8.05 MW solar park" (Greek Times, 2021)
• "IGA Istanbul Airport sees 10.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2024" (Istanbul Times, 2025)
• "Dalaman Airport hosts world's largest rooftop solar power plant" (Turkish Times, 2022)
• "Romanian airports investing in solar power" (Romanian Times, 2023)
• "Hermes Airports equips two Cypriot airports with PV systems" (Cyprus Times, 2023)