Salzburg Airport relies on the sun: two new solar systems started!

Salzburg Airport relies on the sun: two new solar systems started!

Flughafen Salzburg, Österreich - The Salzburg Airport sets a strong sign in terms of sustainability and renewable energies. On July 16, 2025, the airport officially put two new photovoltaic systems into operation. These new systems, which are located on the roofs of the entry and washing hall, consist of a total of 564 installed solar modules and create an overall performance of impressive 245.34 kilowatts. This corresponds to an estimated annual yield of around 215,000 kilowatt hours, which could cover the electricity consumption of 72 two-person households. This increases the entire performance of the photovoltaic systems at the airport to 1.13 megawatts, which is a considerable increase. Airliners.de reports that this measure is part of a larger plan to optimize the energy use of the airport.

But that's just the beginning! As early as 2024, the photovoltaic stock had been expanded by a total of 2,700 modules in the parking garage, which continues to drive the airport on the way to a more environmentally friendly energy future. The installation of these modules was considered optimal use of the roof surfaces of the parking garage, which enables it to achieve an energy yield of 1.13 Megawattpeak (MWP). Salzburg Airport notes that this ambitious project was started in September 2024.

green energy and CO2 reduction

Overall, the photovoltaic systems at Salzburg Airport will potentially generate up to 1 GWH energy annually, which corresponds to the consumption of around 220 households. CO2 emissions could be reduced by 470,000 kg annually. This corresponds approximately to the emissions of 54 average Austrians or the kilometers of 4 million cars. Environmentalists and climate friends will be happy, because this also corresponds to the positive effect of around 37,500 planted trees. Airliners.de emphasizes that Salzburg Airport tirelessly works to reach its climate neutrality goals by 2040

Against the background of increasing energy prices and the urgency of CO2 reduction destinations, airport operators are increasingly looking for paths to become independent of fossil fuels. Photovoltaic systems are a proven solution here. PV Magazine can be used.

new ways and challenges

However, there are also challenges. The placement of solar systems near flight operating areas can be risky because glare effects for pilots and air traffic controllers are potentially dangerous. Ensuring the right safety distances to starting and landingways is also necessary. In addition, special approval processes and security analyzes are required in order not to endanger operational safety.

An example of a modern approach shows at airports such as Vienna-Schwechat, where a massive 24 megawatt PV system was put into operation that covers a third of the annual power consumption. This findings and measures indicate the huge unused potential of photovoltaic systems at airports. Salzburg Airport is therefore not only a pioneer in the region, but also takes important steps into a sustainable future.