Record renewable energy generated at Bristol Airport

More than 1,700,000 kWh of energy has been generated from the Airport's solar arrays so far in 2026, exceeding last year’s total by a fifth. The arrays were installed as part of the company’s target to achieve net zero airport operations by 2030.

The solar arrays are used to power the electric buses that transport passengers across the site, everything in the terminal, from flight information screens to coffee machines, and runway lighting.

Bristol Airport has a 1.5-megawatt solar farm to the south of the runway and on the roofs of many of its buildings, including the new Public Transport Interchange. Later this year, the Airport’s Energy Centre will become operational, using electrically powered air source heat pumps to heat and cool the terminal. The £10million Energy Centre will allow Bristol Airport to become one of the first in the UK to remove gas heating from its terminal.  

Last month, Bristol Airport announced that it was funding research into low-height wind turbines. This project aims to overcome traditional barriers to wind turbine deployment at airports, such as radar interference. Wind power would further increase Bristol Airport’s renewable energy output.

Clare Hennessey, Director of Sustainability, said:

“We’re working towards our commitment to be net zero across our airport operations by 2030. This year we’ve managed to produce 20% more renewable energy on site compared to 2025, which means less needs to be taken from the national grid. Our investment in solar panels, as well as electrification of buses, are among the initiatives we’ve been rolling out to meet the target”.

Bristol Airport set an interim target to cut carbon emissions across its operations by 73% by 2027 as part of its Sustainability Strategy so progress could be monitored. As well as reducing its own emissions, the Airport is working in unique partnerships with the aerospace sector to develop zero emissions flight.