Source : BUSINESS NEWS
AGL has been appointed to design and install a 4.5-megawatt solar farm at Perth Airport, as part of the airport’s push to achieve net zero by 2032.
Perth Airport chief executive Jason Waters said the project formed part of the airport’s energy strategy.
“By 2046 we will be facilitating 30 million passengers, generating 75,400 jobs, and contributing $17 billion to the State’s economy annually, so as a growing airport, incorporating sustainable initiatives will be a critical component of our operations,” he said.
“The new solar farm will produce an estimated annual energy yield of over 10 GWh and will complement other energy systems such as the electrification of vehicle and equipment fleets, expansion of rooftop solar systems and future additional solar farms on the estate.
“By combining onsite generation with a maturing approach to energy procurement, Perth Airport is setting a new benchmark for sustainable operations.”
The solar farm will be located to the east of the general aviation precinct, with construction expected to be complete before the end of next year.
AGL general manager of sustainable business energy solutions Brendan Weinert said the project would demonstrate the company’s abilities in building sustainable projects.
“We’re really pleased with this partnership that will help the airport move closer to its Net Zero commitment,” he said.
The solar farm plan comes in the midst of a $5 billion capital master plan for Perth Airport, which includes investing in a new central terminal, a parallel runway, and a central precinct which includes two multi-storey car parks, and an onsite Pullman hotel.
Works for the new three-kilometre-long, 45-metre-wide runway will include the demolition of existing infrastructure, new perimeter fencing, pavement, lighting and communication systems; and are expected to take three years to complete.
In December, a joint venture comprising BMD Group and CPB Contractors was awarded a $1 billion contract for construction of the runway.
The Airport’s latest accounts show revenue jumped 14.4 per cent to $751.8 million during FY25, driven by 17.5 million passenger movements through its terminals.
The runway, coupled with terminal consolidation on the eastern side of the estate, is designed to ease chronic morning bottlenecks caused by fly-in, fly-out departures that now account for up to 95 per cent of peak slots, and to give airlines greater reliability for long-haul services to Europe, Africa and Asia.
Perth Airport’s master plan says some 4,000 to 5,000 workers are expected on site during construction’s peak.
It also locks in the long-awaited move by Qantas from Terminals 3 and 4 to Airport Central, freeing the western precinct for future redevelopment once consolidation is complete around 2031-32.
