Cork Airport to Install Ireland’s Largest Solar Carport

Cork Airport has announced plans to build the Republic of Ireland's largest solar-powered carport in conjunction with Greenvolt Next, a commercial and industrial (C&I) renewable energy developer. The new solar carport forms part of the DAA Group’s €200 million investment in capital projects.

The DAA Group (operator of Dublin and Cork airports) is actively implementing renewable energy projects to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and to meet a 51% reduction in direct emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 2030. 

Niall MacCarthy, managing director of Cork Airport, highlighted the importance of more sustainable operations and confirmed the project will enable Cork Airport to meet its 2030 energy reduction targets. 

The solar carport will serve a dual purpose by providing shelter for parked cars while also generating up to 20% of the airport’s electricity needs. A canopy will be constructed and fitted with photovoltaic (PV) panels over the existing Holiday Blue car park. 

The 1.7MW carport, consisting of 3,696 solar panels and five inverters, will be installed in two phases, the first starting in early summer, with the second phase beginning in October. The installation is expected to be completed in late summer 2027 and will generate around 1.5 GWh of renewable energy annually, enough to meet roughly one-fifth of the airport’s electricity demand. Greenvolt Next will design, construct and commission the entire project. 

This landmark project for Ireland has been grant-supported by the Department of Transport and Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. Minister Darragh O’Brien TD and Minister of State, Jerry Buttimer TD attended an event at Cork Airport to mark the signing of contracts for the project by Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director of Cork Airport, and John Carty, Chief Commercial Officer at Greenvolt Next.

The project will receive €2 million in government funding under the Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme. This programme was launched in February this year and will provide almost €45 million in capital investment for “connectivity” and “regional development” at Irish airports between now and 2030. The government plans to invest €9 million this year alone. 

The government funding backing the new solar carport at Cork Airport forms part of wider investment to help regional airports transition towards low-carbon operations.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD, said: 

“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.”

Gino Gautier, global CEO of distributed generation at IPP Greenvolt Group, which Next is part of, 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.”

Darragh O’Brien, minister for transport and minister for climate, environment and energy, said at the signing of the contracts event: 

“The project was supported with over €2 million in Exchequer funding under the Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme. 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 is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by over 355,000kg annually, based on SEAI data, as well as lowering electricity costs and improving energy resilience.

SEAI data refers to the comprehensive energy statistics, research, and insights produced by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). It covers all aspects of Ireland’s energy landscape, including supply, demand, and renewable generation. 

Cork Airport has already been named Best Performing Commercial Semi-State for energy reduction by SEAI in both 2021 and 2022.

By making on-site generation possible, the project will reduce reliance on grid electricity, boost operational efficiency, support more sustainable aviation infrastructure and contribute to national decarbonisation targets. 

Developers are increasingly keen to install solar projects at airports across the British Isles. Just last year, London Stanstead chose EDF Renewables to build and operate a new 14.3MW solar project on its premises. A number of other airports, such as Farnborough Airport and Stansted Airport are relying on solar projects to fulfil a significant portion of their power demand.

Solar powered car parks offer many benefits. They turn unused paved surfaces into renewable energy hubs, providing an effective way to maximise land use. Using existing space also reduces the need for greenfield sites which means less damage to countryside landscapes. The solar structures provide shade and protection for vehicles from rain, snow, or heat, improving customer and employee comfort. These systems also provide the perfect location for electric vehicles as the generated power can be used directly to support electric vehicle adoption. One of the key advantages of solar car parks is that they reduce energy costs for businesses and reliance on the grid. But perhaps the most important advantage of all is that installing solar carports helps businesses meet their net-zero targets and strengthens their green credentials, boosting brand image and customer loyalty.