Dublin Airport targeting 30% of electricity from renewable solar energy by 2030

Dublin Airport has announced a significant ramping up of its renewable energy ambitions, which will see around 30% of the airport’s electricity needs generated through onsite solar farms before 2030.

daa made the announcement having lodged a planning application for Phase 2 of its solar farm initiative, which includes the installation of around 23,000 solar panels on a 48-acre site located to the east of the airport campus.

The solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are a clean and renewable energy source, converting sunlight directly into electricity using PV cells and emitting no greenhouse gases or pollutants. Once operational, the 14MWp farm is expected to generate around 13GWh per annum, dependent on weather conditions, which is around 17% of Dublin Airport’s annual consumption.

This will more than double the airport’s current renewable solar energy output from 12% in 2025 to close to 30% by mid-2028, significantly ahead of its current target of 20% by 2030. This is sufficient electricity to fully power Terminal 2 in addition to all airfield lighting.

Dublin Airport reaches Level 4+ Carbon Accreditation

Dublin Airport has achieved Level 4+ of the internationally recognised Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, placing it among the top 13% of airports globally for carbon management and marking a significant step forward in daa’s sustainability journey.

Awarded by Airports Council International, Airport Carbon Accreditation is the global standard for carbon management at airports. Achieving Level 4+ (the second‑highest level currently available in the programme) provides independent verification of Dublin Airport’s long‑term commitment to measuring, managing and reducing carbon emissions in line with recognised climate science.

Importantly, Dublin Airport has now reached this milestone, building on the ambitions outlined in its ESG strategy and reflecting sustained progress across energy efficiency, emissions reduction and collaboration with on‑airport partners.

The transition to Level 4+ was underpinned by robust carbon data collection, the delivery of targeted energy‑saving and emissions‑reduction measures across airport operations, and close collaboration with airlines, ground handlers and other partners operating at the airport.