Dublin Airport has unveiled plans to significantly expand its renewable energy capacity through a second solar farm development that will help reduce emissions, lower grid dependence and support long-term sustainability goals.
Dublin Airport (DUB) has announced a major expansion of its renewable energy programme, with plans to generate close to 30% of the airport’s electricity requirements from onsite solar farms before the end of the decade.
The development follows the submission of a planning application for the second phase of the airport’s solar energy initiative. The proposed project will see approximately 23,000 solar panels installed across a 48-acre site located on airport land east of the main campus.
Once operational, the new facility is expected to generate around 13 gigawatt hours of electricity annually, providing approximately 17% of the airport’s yearly power demand.
Solar generation set to exceed targets
The second phase will build on the success of Dublin Airport’s existing solar installation, which became operational in late 2024. That first phase consists of around 15,000 solar panels across a 28-acre site and supplied approximately 12% of the airport’s electricity needs during 2025.
Combined, the two facilities are expected to increase renewable electricity generation from 12% to almost 30% by mid-2028, comfortably exceeding the airport’s previous target of generating 20% of its electricity from solar energy by 2030.
Airport officials said the renewable energy produced will be sufficient to fully power Terminal 2 while also supporting airfield lighting operations.
The project also includes a battery energy storage system that will enable excess solar energy to be stored for future use, improve operational resilience and further reduce reliance on the national electricity grid.
Supporting long-term decarbonisation
Irish Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien welcomed the plans, noting that the project would make a significant contribution towards the airport’s environmental objectives.
The expansion forms part of Dublin Airport’s wider sustainability strategy, which includes a commitment to reduce direct emissions by 51% by 2030 in line with Ireland’s National Climate Action Plan.
Andrea Carroll, daa Group Director of Sustainability, said renewable energy generation remains a key element of the airport’s decarbonisation programme.
She noted that Dublin Airport recently achieved Level 4+ certification under the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, placing it among the highest-performing airports globally for carbon management.
Wider sustainability investments continue
The solar farm expansion is one of several environmental initiatives currently being implemented across the airport campus.
Dublin Airport has continued to expand its use of electric and low-emission vehicles, with 82% of its light commercial fleet now operating as electric or hybrid vehicles. The airport’s heavy vehicle fleet has also transitioned from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil or electric alternatives.
Airport officials reported a 44% reduction in carbon emissions during 2025 through renewable electricity generation, alternative fuels and energy efficiency measures.
The solar expansion also forms part of a broader sustainability investment programme worth more than €50 million during 2025, alongside long-term infrastructure projects valued at approximately €400 million.
Dublin Airport said the investments demonstrate that aviation infrastructure can continue to grow while reducing environmental impact and supporting national climate objectives.
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