ublin Airport operator daa has lodged a planning application for Phase 2 of its solar farm initiative, which would install around 23,000 solar panels across a 48-acre site to the east of the airport campus, significantly accelerating its renewable energy ambitions.
The 14MWp facility is expected to generate around 13GWh of electricity per year, covering approximately 17% of Dublin Airport’s annual consumption. Combined with Phase 1, which became operational in late 2024 with 15,000 panels across 28 acres and currently supplies 12% of the airport’s electricity, the two solar farms would together meet close to 30% of the airport’s electricity needs by mid-2028 — well ahead of its existing target of 20% by 2030. That is sufficient electricity to fully power Terminal 2 and all airfield lighting.
Phase 2 also includes a battery energy storage system (BESS) plant to store excess solar generation, reduce reliance on the national grid, and provide operational resilience.
“Aviation is one of the hardest industries to decarbonise and all parts of the sector must play their part,” said Andrea Carroll, daa Group Director of Sustainability. “Phase 2 of the solar farm is further evidence of our determination.”
The expansion supports Dublin Airport’s commitment to cut direct emissions by 51% by 2030 in line with Ireland’s National Climate Action Plan, and ultimately achieve net zero by 2050. The airport already achieved a 44% reduction in carbon emissions in 2025 through a combination of solar energy, HVO fuel substitution, and energy management. Other ongoing sustainability measures include transitioning 82% of its light commercial fleet to low-emission vehicles and converting its entire heavy fleet to HVO or electric power.
