Frankfurt Airport Activates 37,000 Solar Panels Along Runway

In a major stride toward climate neutrality, Frankfurt Airport has switched on a 2.8-kilometer-long solar power installation along Runway 18 West, featuring 37,000 vertical photovoltaic panels. The system is expected to generate 17.4 million kilowatt hours per year, supplying green electricity for terminal cooling and the airport’s expanding fleet of electric vehicles

The innovative setup is part of Fraport AG’s broader decarbonization strategy, which aims for Net Zero emissions by 2045 across all wholly-owned airports. The panels’ vertical, east-west orientation ensures consistent energy generation throughout the day, complementing the airport’s rooftop solar arrays, which peak at midday.

“By 2045 at the latest, Fraport will operate Frankfurt Airport under a Net Zero model,” said Dr. Stefan Schulte, Fraport CEO. “This project brings us one step closer to that goal with a clean, space-efficient power source.”

Hesse’s Minister for Economics and Transport, Kaweh Mansoori, joined Schulte at the site to officially commission the system, calling it a "defining moment" for the region’s energy transition and praising Fraport’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Designed for Efficiency and Biodiversity

The project also highlights a unique blend of environmental responsibility and operational efficiency:

• Vertical alignment allows sunlight and rain to reach the ground, preserving biodiversity

• Construction schedules respected breeding and nesting seasons of local species

• The design enables easy maintenance and integration with existing grassland care

Originally tested with a pilot installation in 2022, the expanded system was built in 2024 and has drawn attention from urban planners, sustainability experts, and international airports worldwide.

“These advantages make solar fences attractive not just for airports, but also for public infrastructure,” added Schulte. “We see significant potential to expand this approach across our airfield.”

Green Power, Round the Clock

The system’s east-west orientation ensures solar capture during morning and afternoon hours, stabilizing output in conjunction with conventional panels. By mid-2026, a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with EnBW will further boost renewable supply, delivering 85 megawatts of green energy and enabling Frankfurt Airport to cover 100% of its electricity needs with renewables.

The Fraport Group’s decarbonization plan targets Scope 1 and 2 emissions and includes all climate-relevant gases—not just CO₂. The solar fence project is a key building block in the group-wide Net Zero roadmap.