London Stansted’s new on-site solar farm is fully operational, supplying electricity directly to the airport as part of its £1.1 billion transformation programme.
Built on airport-owned land immediately east of the site, the installation has more than 24,000 panels. Stansted describes it as the first on-site solar farm at a London airport.
The project was constructed by Onsite Power, EDF power solutions’ commercial and industrial solar division, which will also operate the facility.
Solar Output Can Match Peak Airport Demand
The panels have a maximum generating capacity of 17.2 megawatts of direct current power. Once converted for use in the airport’s electricity network, the installation can supply up to 12.8 megawatts of alternating current.
According to Stansted, that output can match the airport’s peak electricity demand on the sunniest days. Over a year, the solar farm is expected to generate electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of around 7,000 homes.
The additional supply will help meet growing electricity needs across the airport, including demand from the increasing use of electric vehicles.
Supporting a 2038 Target for Airport Operations
The solar farm forms part of Stansted’s commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions from its direct airport operations by 2038 at the latest.
Stansted says it has sourced all its electricity from renewable sources for more than a decade. The new installation adds generation on its own estate, feeding power directly into the airport’s network.
“This is a significant milestone for London Stansted and a tangible demonstration of our commitment to a more sustainable future,” said Gareth Powell, the airport’s Managing Director.
Malavika Bambawale, CEO of Onsite Power, said the project demonstrated how on-site renewable generation could help airports improve energy resilience, reduce costs and decarbonise electricity consumption.
Wildflower Meadow and New Wildlife Habitats
The development also includes landscaping and habitat measures designed to deliver a projected 160% biodiversity net gain.
Plans include a 19-hectare wildflower meadow, more than 50 new willow and field maple trees, reinstated hedgerows and 750 metres of new hedgerows.
Additional screening has been installed to help the solar farm blend into the surrounding landscape while creating habitats for wildlife.
The facility is one element of Stansted’s wider investment programme, which combines airport improvements with infrastructure to support its future energy requirements.
