Edmonton: Edmonton International Airport (EIA) announced July 7 that it will host the largest airport-based solar farm in the world.
Airport City Solar will bring in a potential new power source for airport operations and the Edmonton Metro Region. An agreement with Germany-based Alpin Sun will see the company develop a 627-acre, 120-megawatt solar farm on land leased on the west side of the EIA. The proponents say that, according to all available information, it will be largest development of its kind at an airport anywhere in the world.
Construction is to begin in early 2022 and be operational by the end of the year. The project will bring in an estimated $169 million in foreign direct investment to the Edmonton Metro Region. Power generated by Airport City Solar will feed into Fortis Alberta and airport distribution systems.
“With Airport City Solar and Alpin Sun we’re creating something the whole world will notice,” said Tom Ruth, President and CEO Edmonton International Airport. “We’re Canada’s largest major airport by land size so we have the space to do something very special – the largest solar farm at an airport in the world. This will create jobs, provide sustainable solar power for our region and shows our dedication to sustainability.”
Some 340,000 solar panels will be constructed in two main groupings: an east grouping that would provide 72 MW, and a west grouping providing 48 MW. The facility is expected to generate approximately 200,000 MWh per year.