Adelaide Airport has completed installation of more than 3,800 solar panels on its domestic and international terminal roof—close to tripling the size of its solar systems.
All of Adelaide Airport’s electricity already comes from renewable sources generated by a combination of on-site solar and Iberdrola’s Lake Bonney wind farms in South Australia.
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The new 2.3MW solar system now generates approximately 3,282MWh of energy annually, bringing the total solar capacity at the airport to 3.5MWp—enough to power 1,000 homes.
The solar system, installed in partnership with Iberdrola Australia, has significantly grown Adelaide Airport’s solar output—previously comprising a system on the multi-storey car park roof and a smaller pre-existing system installed on the terminal roof generating a combined 1.28MW.
Adelaide Airport in December 2024 became the first major airport in Australia to reach carbon neutrality.
The airport has already reduced its carbon emissions by close to 90 per cent since 2018 through improved energy efficiency, increased onsite renewables, and other activities including local windfarm energy purchasing.
Adelaide Airport managing director Brenton Cox said, “This solar system has significantly increased Adelaide Airport’s cost-effective renewable energy generation. It is expected to supply 15 per cent of the terminal’s energy needs.
“Our purpose is to proudly connect and shape South Australia, our vision is to be everyone’s favourite airport and sustainability is a core feature of our strategic plan. Cost effective, renewable energy is important for the long-term sustainability of our organisation and our partners.”
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Iberdrola Australia chair and CEO Ross Rolfe AO said, “We are delighted to have delivered the 2.3MW behind-the-meter solar project for Adelaide Airport. This onsite renewable generation now sits alongside the 100% renewable energy-based retail contract between Adelaide Airport and Iberdrola Australia.
“This integrated approach lowers Adelaide Airport’s power costs while also giving them reliable supplies of clean energy over the long-term—demonstrating that a sustainable future is possible for Australia’s airports.”
