Aviation minister visits Birmingham airport for launch of multi-million pound solar investment

The Government’s new aviation minister Mike Kane, has visited Birmingham Airport’s new 6.8-megawatt solar farm, made up of 12,000 panels, responsible for providing at least 20 per cent of the airport’s electrical power requirement.   

Birmingham Airport has committed to beat the Government’s deadline and become net zero by 2033. 

An ambitious target that the multi-million-pound sustainable investment will contribute to as it is less reliant on the Grid.   

Evo Energy worked closely with the airport on the design and build plans with works commencing on the solar panel site last year at a cost of £9.7m.

With full plant usage today, these panels, at peak, will supply 6.8MW of power back to the airport, and it is anticipated it will save 1,285 tonnes of CO2 per year. 

Minister Kane got to see the expanse of the solar panel site whilst on a tour of the airport.  He also found time to visit the Airport’s Air Traffic Control tower where he met Pena Mason, the first ever civilian Air Traffic Control Apprentice. 

Pena has been on a journey as a student of a partnership between Global ATS and Gloucester College who collaboratively designed the aerodrome course that Pena has excelled in and that will see her earn her ATCO licence and level five diploma. 

Nick Barton, chief executive officer of Birmingham Airport said: “We are delighted to be the first airport the Aviation Minister has visited since his appointment. He saw first-hand the significant investments we are making at the airport and the progress we are making in sustainability and skills development.  

“Our solar panels will ensure that at certain times of the year, during sunnier and warmer days, we will have no reliance on incoming power sources, key to our net zero target.”

Aviation, maritime and security minister, Mike Kane said: “It’s fantastic to see Birmingham Airport embrace our 2033 net zero mission.

“Their new solar farm, built with millions of pounds of investment, will produce almost a quarter of the electricity the airport needs over the coming years.

“It’s this sort of innovation and drive that will help the UK become a Clean Energy Superpower, and we will continue to support industry to achieve that goal.”

Birmingham Airport is gearing up for sustainable growth and over the next decade and will invest over £300m in terminal and airfield infrastructure, alongside initiatives that will deliver sustainable growth.

Home to 35 airlines, flying direct to 144 destinations, passengers from Birmingham can now access 657 destinations via one stop. Having completed its busiest summer yet, the airport has also launched its biggest ever marketing campaign this week, confidently communicating ‘We’re (Birmingham) on our Way.’

For more information on the apprenticeship that Pena has taken please visit: IFATE  and for more information on our net zero journey please visit here. 

Pictured from left to right: Jo Roberts and Nick Barton of BHX with aviation minister Mike Kane and Andrew McConnachie of BHX with the new solar panels.