First Solar Power Plant for Voronezh airport in Russia

Solar panels are becoming an increasingly popular and effective tool for generating alternative energy. They are used in various projects, including in the field of air transport, where energy consumption is very high. The practice of using PV modules in airport projects around the world is becoming more common and successful due to the availability of large areas on the ground and rooftops, the absence of shading, and the constant need to reduce electricity costs.

One example of successful solar module use in airport projects is the Indianapolis Airport in the USA. In 2014, the world's largest airport-based solar power plant was installed there, covering more than 70 hectares. This power plant can supply energy to about 3,000 homes and helps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 10,000 tons annually.

Another example is Cochin Airport in India, which became the first airport in the world to fully switch to solar energy. The solar modules cover more than 18 hectares, allowing the airport to save about 300,000 tons of coal and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 3 million tons.

Many other airports in Europe and Asia are beginning to use solar energy for reducing dependence on traditional energy sources and lessen environmental impact.

Following the global practice of fully or partially switching to solar energy, Russian airports have also started implementing solar projects. The first project was implemented at the Peter I Voronezh Airport. In 2019, the airport in Voronezh was named after the first all-Russian emperor, a known innovator, and the airport was the first in Russia to implement a project introducing solar generation.

Voronezh International Airport – the largest aviation complex in the Central Black Earth economic region, occupies an area of 13,800 sq.m., with a capacity of 2,000,000 passengers per year.

A grid-connected solar power plant by Unigreen Energy is installed on the building of the new terminal as part of an ESG sustainable development strategy aimed at saving electricity costs. The station consists of 320 hjt PV-modules manufactured in Russia. The single module power is 320 watts, the total power of the grid-connected solar power plant is 102.4 kW, which will achieve an estimated annual production of 97,000 kWh and a reduction of CO2 emissions by 34 tons per year.
The grid-connected solar power plant is installed with the use of ballast support system on the terminal’s roof, covering a total area of 1,200 sq.m., east-west oriented. Building and assembly jobs on the project are completed, the SPP is launched into exploitation.
Solar power plants allow airports to save significant amounts on electricity while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, the practice of using renewable energy sources in airport projects worldwide is becoming increasingly popular and successful. This helps to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources, lower operational costs, and lessen the environmental impact.