CORK, IRELAND — Cork Airport has officially unveiled plans to construct the largest solar-powered carport in the country. Developed in partnership with Waterford-based renewable energy firm Greenvolt Next, the project is set to transform the airport’s infrastructure into a major source of clean energy by the summer of 2027.
The initiative involves the installation of a massive dual-purpose canopy over the existing Holiday Blue car park. By integrating high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) panels into the structure, the airport will provide weather protection for passengers' vehicles while simultaneously generating enough power to meet approximately 20% of the airport's total electricity requirements.
Project Timeline and Technical Scope
The ambitious rollout is scheduled to begin in early summer 2026 and will be executed in two distinct phases:
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Phase 1: Commencing early summer 2026.
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Phase 2: Scheduled for October 2026.
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Completion: Full operational capacity expected by August 2027.
Upon completion, the facility will boast 3,696 solar panels supported by five industrial-grade inverters. The system is projected to produce 1.5 GWh of renewable energy annually, significantly offsetting the carbon footprint of the airport's ground operations.
Expanding Capacity and Infrastructure
The green energy project coincides with a period of record-breaking growth for the airport. Last year, Cork Airport celebrated its busiest year on record, welcoming 3.46 million passengers and earning the title of "Europe's Best Regional Airport" from ACI Europe.
To keep pace with this demand, the solar installation will be followed by a physical expansion of the Holiday Blue car park, adding 669 new long-term parking spaces.
Leadership Perspectives
Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport, emphasized that the project is a cornerstone of their environmental strategy:
"This exciting development, supported by the daa Group and the Departments of Transport and Climate, ensures we will meet our 2030 energy reduction targets. We are proud to lead the way in Irish aviation sustainability."
Owen Power, CEO of Greenvolt Next Ireland, highlighted the practical benefits of the BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics) approach:
"Our goal is to make renewable energy seamless. This carport allows Cork Airport to exercise greater control over its power supply with reliable, future-proofed infrastructure that delivers both financial and environmental dividends."
The project is being funded with support from the Department of Transport and the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy, marking a significant milestone in Ireland's transition toward decentralized, renewable utility solutions.