ADR unveils Europe’s largest solar plant at Fiumicino Airport

Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) has unveiled a 2.5-kilometre solar farm at Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport which is the largest in Europe and one of the biggest photovoltaic systems at an airport anywhere in the world.

An image of the 55,000 mono-crystalline silicon panels installed at Fiumicino Airport

The solar plant, located along the eastern side of one of the airport’s runways, features 55,000 mono-crystalline silicon panels, has a capacity of 22 MWp and can generate over 30 million kWh of clean electricity a year. It was designed by ADR and delivered by Enel, Italy’s leading energy company with Circet, a telecommunications specialist, in just over a year. Construction began in late 2023.

ADR’s goal is to increase its installed solar capacity to 60 MWp within five years. This expanded capacity could meet the energy needs of 30,000 Italian households every year or fully charge over one million electric vehicles, the group said. Local renewable energy generation will reduce the use of fossil fuels, decreasing CO2 emissions by about 11,000 tonnes per year.

Marco Troncone, CEO, ADR

The €50 million investment for the solar farm is part of a €200 million portfolio aimed at renewable energy and sustainable mobility initiatives which support ADR’s ambition to achieve Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of the aviation industry’s global target. The project also aligns with the ESG strategy outlined by Mundys, the holding company that owns ADR.

“The launch of the new solar farm strengthens our commitment to the green transition,” said Marco Troncone, CEO, ADR. “The energy independence this project ensures for our 5-star airport will significantly reduce our environmental impact.”

The solar farm also represents a new era in how airports manage their energy needs. By prioritising renewable energy, ADR reduces its reliance on traditional fossil fuels. This transition ensures the airport remains resilient against energy price fluctuations and also aligns with Italy’s broader push for sustainable infrastructure development.

Beyond its environmental benefits, the solar farm boosts ADR’s energy resilience. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the airport minimises exposure to energy market volatility. This independence ensures sustainable operations, even in challenging economic conditions.

“This photovoltaic plant proves how the energy transition can generate growth opportunities not just for businesses but also for citizens,” said Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Italy’s Minister of Environment and Energy Security. “It highlights Italian leadership in developing advanced, effective technologies for decarbonisation.”

Fiumicino is already Italy’s leading airport hub and one of the best in the world, based on passenger surveys. The solar farm now makes it a model of innovation for the whole of Europe, Troncone said, and a benchmark in sustainable development.

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