Macaé Airport, located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is set to become a beacon of sustainability as it plans to install a solar power plant that will fully supply its operations with clean energy. The transition is expected to be complete by February 2026, marking a significant shift towards renewable energy in the aviation sector.
The solar power plant will have an installed capacity of 1 MW, utilizing 1,455 photovoltaic modules to meet the airport’s entire energy demand. Apart from the environmental benefits, this initiative is projected to reduce the airport’s monthly electricity costs by nearly 49%.
This development is part of a broader series of investments at Macaé Airport, which recently received a substantial infusion of R$ 220 million. The funds were primarily used for the construction of a new runway, but sustainability has also been a key focus.
Reflecting a Global Trend
The move towards solar energy at Macaé mirrors a global trend in the aviation industry, where airports are increasingly adopting measures to reduce their carbon footprint. The Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, run by the Airports Council International (ACI), has set carbon neutrality targets that airports worldwide are striving to meet.
In Brazil, regional airports and those under private concessions are spearheading the push for solar energy projects. The country has already shown significant commitment to solar power. According to the Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association (Absolar), as of 2022, Brazil was producing 14 gigawatts of solar energy, equivalent to the output of the Itaipu hydroelectric dam.
Macaé Airport’s solar initiative not only aligns with these international sustainability goals but also highlights Brazil’s role in the global renewable energy landscape. The airport’s commitment to clean energy is a step forward in making the country’s aviation infrastructure more eco-friendly and cost-efficient. This project is expected to serve as a model for other airports in Brazil and around the world, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of integrating solar power into airport operations.
Source: CanalTech
