AGS Airports launches Horizons Strategy as Glasgow Airport Solar Farm Goes Live 

AGS Airports has unveiled Horizons – Looking ahead, acting together – and celebrated a major sustainability milestone as Glasgow Airport’s solar farm begins generating enough renewable electricity to meet around 25% of the airport’s on-site demand. 

The multi-million-pound project was developed by AGS Airports in partnership with leading energy transition adviser and developer Ikigai Group.  

The impressive 10MW farm located on Glasgow Airport land near Barnsford Road has been funded and delivered by Zestec Renewable Energy, who will manage and optimise the infrastructure long-term.

Comprising more than 14,300 photovoltaic panels, the development generates renewable energy to help power airport operations and reduce reliance on energy from the grid.

The solar farm is a key initiative within Horizons, AGS Airports’ sustainability & ESG strategy, which sets out the group’s long-term ambitions across four strategic pillars:

• Achieving Net Zero
• Supporting Our Communities
• Supporting Our People
• Innovation

Under the strategy, AGS Airports has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving net zero for its own emissions by 2035 while continuing to create positive impacts for the communities it serves, investing in its people and championing innovation across the aviation sector.

The completion of the solar farm represents one of the most significant achievements in AGS Airports’ journey towards net zero and demonstrates the company’s commitment to turning strategy into action.

Fiona Smith, Executive Director of ESG & Sustainability at AGS Airports, said: “The launch of Horizons marks an important moment for AGS Airports as we set out a clear vision for building a more sustainable future for our airports. Looking ahead, acting together captures our belief that meaningful progress can only be achieved through collaboration. The solar farm is an example of that approach in action and a major milestone on our sustainability journey.”

The opening of the farm sees AGS Airports achieve another of its targets, generating 25% of on-site renewable energy for its own use at Glasgow Airport by the end of 2026, improving energy efficiency across its airport operations.

Crucially, the solar farm is also expected to save around 1100 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) based on grid electricity emissions per year. 

Toby Smith, Chief Operating Officer at Zestec, said: “We are pleased to have delivered this significant renewable energy project for Glasgow Airport. With the solar farm now operational, we look forward to managing and optimising it over the long term, helping the airport make the most of the renewable energy it generates.” 

The success of the project has been underpinned by strong partnership with SP Energy Networks (SPEN), the electricity network operator for central and southern Scotland

Martin Maxwell, SPEN’s District General Manager for Ayrshire and Clyde South, said: “It’s fantastic to see this new solar farm now up and running – powering a cleaner and greener future for AGS and Glasgow Airport and kickstarting a new era for this thriving transport hub. We’re proud to have played our part in bringing this project to life and working with AGS to ‘look ahead and act together’.”

Helena Anderson, Chief Operating Officer at Ikigai, commented: “We supported Glasgow Airport from inception to energisation, jointly developing the onsite generation project and securing the most competitive investor. It is rewarding to see that collaboration now delivering clean, competitively priced electricity for the airport.”

Looking to the future, innovation will remain a core focus of the Horizons strategy, with attention now turning to how the success of the solar farm can be replicated at Aberdeen International and Southampton airports. The company has also set its sights on helping to deliver the UK’s first scheduled zero-emission passenger route.  

Earlier this year, AGS Airports supported the UK’s first real-world electric aviation demonstration programme with BETA Technologies’ all-electric ALIA aircraft completing flights across Scotland.

The trials showed how zero-emission aircraft could operate from existing airport infrastructure in the years ahead.

Kam Jandu, Chief Executive Officer at AGS Airports, commented: “ By generating clean energy on-site, we are reducing our carbon footprint, strengthening our energy resilience and creating long-term value for the airport and the communities we serve. 

“Horizons reflects our ambition not only to reduce our environmental impact but also to help shape the future of sustainable aviation. Horizons and the targets we have set ensure AGS Airports continues to lead by example.”