Greenvolt Next and Cork Airport have announced plans to develop what is set to be Ireland’s largest solar-powered carport, forming part of a wider €200 million investment programme at the airport. The project will combine renewable energy generation with expanded parking infrastructure, with completion expected in August 2027.

The solar carport will be installed at Cork Airport’s Blue car park and delivered in two phases, with initial works beginning ahead of summer 2026 and the second phase scheduled to start in September. Once complete, the 1.7 MW installation will include 3,696 photovoltaic panels and five inverters, generating more than 1.5 GWh of electricity annually.

This output is expected to meet around 20% of the airport’s electricity demand. The project also includes the extension of the Holiday Blue car park by 669 spaces, increasing capacity for passengers while integrating on-site energy generation.

The development has received grant support from the Department of Transport and the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy. Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien TD and Minister of State Jerry Buttimer TD attended the contract signing between Cork Airport and Greenvolt Next.

Speaking at the event, Darragh O’Brien TD said: “The project was supported with over €2 million in Exchequer funding under the Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme. This programme was developed in 2024 to support regional state airports to reach their carbon emission reduction targets and build resilience against climate change. Cork Airport was named as the “Best Performing Commercial Semi-State” for energy reduction by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for two years running (2021, 2022). This new solar carport will strengthen Cork Airport’s sustainability credentials and forms a key part of the airport’s overall sustainability strategy. The solar carport will generate up to 20% of the airport’s electricity needs into the future.”

The installation is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 355,056 kg per year, based on SEAI data. Alongside emissions reductions, the project is intended to lower electricity costs and support more efficient airport operations through on-site energy supply.

Jerry Buttimer TD added: “Government recognises the important role regional airports play in their areas and in regional development. Cork Airport recorded its busiest year on record in 2025 with 3.46 million passengers choosing to use the airport which plays an important role in connecting the region to global markets, attracting investment and boosting inbound tourism. This targeted support is an indication of the importance Government attaches to regional State airports developing sustainable energy practices.”

Cork Airport has seen strong passenger growth, with 3.46 million यात्रners recorded in 2025, marking the busiest year in its 64-year history. The airport was also named Europe’s Best Regional Airport by Airports Council International Europe, reflecting its performance across operations, route development, and environmental measures.

The solar carport is expected to contribute to the airport’s progress against national energy reduction targets set for 2027. It will also support efforts to reduce Scope 2 emissions by increasing the share of renewable electricity used on site.

Greenvolt Next, part of the Greenvolt Group, will design, construct, and commission the project. The company has delivered similar developments across the commercial and industrial sectors and continues to expand its presence in Ireland, including within aviation infrastructure.

Gino Gautier, Global CEO DG, Greenvolt Group, said: “At Greenvolt, we are committed to delivering projects that create positive impact and generate value for our clients, and this solar carport does exactly that by enabling Cork Airport to be more resourceful, have more control, and use more reliable infrastructure. Alongside that, it will also deliver tangible benefits not only from a financial but environmental perspective. We look forward to working with Cork Airport to both creating the largest solar carport in Ireland and future-proofing the aviation sector.”

Solar carports are increasingly being deployed across transport hubs and commercial sites as a way to combine land use with renewable energy generation. By installing photovoltaic panels above parking areas, operators can generate electricity without requiring additional land, while also providing weather protection for vehicles.

For airports, where energy demand is high and land availability can be constrained, such systems offer a practical approach to increasing renewable capacity on site. They also align with broader efforts across the aviation sector to reduce emissions linked to ground operations.

Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport, said: “We understand the need for more sustainable operations at airports, which is why Cork Airport is investing in Ireland’s largest solar carport today. We acknowledge the support of daa Group, the Department of Transport and the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy for making this exciting project happen. We will meet our 2030 energy reduction targets, and we are proud to confirm that.”

The project forms part of daa Group’s wider capital investment programme at Cork Airport, which includes infrastructure upgrades aimed at supporting passenger growth and operational performance. The integration of renewable energy generation into these developments reflects a continued focus on reducing emissions and energy use across airport operations.

With construction set to begin in phases from 2026, the solar carport is expected to become operational in 2027, contributing to Cork Airport’s longer-term energy and emissions targets while expanding passenger facilities.