The Shannon Airport Group has celebrated a major milestone in its sustainability and infrastructure journey with the official opening of Ireland’s first airfield-located solar PV farm, together with a significant extension to its European Boarding Gates designed to enhance access and experience for Shannon Airport users.
Officiated by Minister for Climate, Environment & Energy, and Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD, the dual unveiling represents a combined investment of €6.6 million by The Shannon Airport Group.
A €3.6 million, 1.2-megawatt solar PV farm – comprising over 2,700 bifacial solar panels – has been strategically installed on a 5.5-acre site within the airport’s airfield. It is expected to supply up to 20% of Shannon Airport’s annual electricity needs, significantly reducing reliance on the national grid and fossil fuels by generating renewable energy on-site. The electricity generated from the solar PV farm each year would be enough to drive one of the airport’s electric vehicles around the world 233 times.
Early trials indicate the installation is outperforming expectations, generating impressive levels of renewable energy including 100% of the terminal building’s full electricity requirement at certain times on peak days.
Supported by a government grant of €1.5 million, the solar PV initiative aligns with national efforts to accelerate Ireland’s energy transition. The grant forms part of almost €2 million in grant aid for Shannon Airport under the government’s Regional State Airports Sustainability funding programme, with the remainder of the grant going towards upgrading the airport’s water system.
Officiating at the event Minister Darragh O’Brien TD praised the initiative, saying: “The Shannon Airport solar PV farm is a shining example of how targeted investment and innovation can deliver real progress on our climate goals. This demonstrates the kind of leadership we need to transition to a cleaner, more secure energy future. By generating renewable electricity on-site, Shannon Airport is helping to future-proof its operations while contributing to Ireland’s target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030. I’m proud to see The Shannon Airport Group leading the way in integrating sustainability into aviation infrastructure. These developments show how transport and climate policy can work hand-in-hand to deliver meaningful change.”
In addition to the solar farm, Minister O’Brien officially opened a €3 million, 7,800 sq. ft extension to the airport’s passenger gates. This is comprised of 4,800 sq. ft of new internal space, and 3,000 sq. ft of integrated external covered walkways offering extra protection from the elements to passengers as they move from boarding gate to aircraft. This key development improves accessibility and streamlines passenger flow, reinforcing Shannon Airport’s commitment to enhancing customer experience and responding to rising passenger numbers.
The expanded gate area, which serves short-haul routes via Boarding Gates 1- 5, has been reconfigured to optimise queuing and circulation space. Located at the eastern end of the existing gates, the extension also improves terminal connectivity to aircraft stands on the east apron, boosting operational efficiency and capacity for short-haul services.
The PV farm and the work completed on passenger gates 1–5 are part of an ongoing investment programme underway across the Group. This will see over €50 million invested in airport infrastructure and commercial property in 2025 and 2026.
Speaking at the event, Ray O’Driscoll, Interim CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, commented: “Today marks a significant step forward in our sustainability strategy and infrastructure development. The government support announced by Minister O’Brien in 2024 was much appreciated and will be instrumental in assisting us on our journey to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 51% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. It has augmented our efforts to implement innovative solutions that enhance energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and promote sustainable practices throughout our operations. The grant was invaluable in delivering our solar PV farm, a key project under our Sustainability Strategy.”
This investment reflects The Shannon Airport Group’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship, and operational excellence. The Shannon Airport Group has an ambitious decarbonisation programme. At the heart of this momentum is the Net Zero Plan: a multi-year blueprint to decarbonise airport operations.
Milestones already achieved include energy upgrades such as LED lighting retrofits, a major expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging points and the electrification of over 60% of the airport’s eligible fleet. Recognition has followed, with ISO 50001 accreditation for energy management, and progress toward Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 3.
The Group’s Biodiversity Action Plan is bringing nature back into the fold, through projects such as pollinator-friendly land management and the installation of nesting boxes for birds, bats and bees. The Group’s conservation grazing project at Thady’s Hill – a 10-acre site situated on airport owned land, containing valuable ecological habitat – recently won the Chambers Ireland Environment & Biodiversity Award.