Darwin International Airport (DIA) has won an international environment award for its efforts in solar power, paving the way to a more sustainable future and reducing its carbon footprint.
The Airports Council International (ACI) awarded the Asia-Pacific Green Airports Platinum Award to Darwin International Airport for its $13 million solar farm project, which launched in June 2016.
Darwin International Airport’s solar farm comprises 15,000 solar panels over six hectares and produces the electricity equivalent of 1000 households, meeting the airport’s peak energy demands in the middle of the day and contributing to 25 per cent of its overall energy needs.
The award recognises commitment in achieving outstanding accomplishments in environmental projects for all Asia Pacific and Middle East Airports with less than 25 million passengers each year.
Darwin International Airport Chief Executive Officer Ian Kew said it was great for the airport to be recognised by our peers in the international airport community.
“Our investment in solar energy is unparalleled for an airport operator in the southern hemisphere,” Mr Kew said.
“When completed, Darwin International Airport’s solar array will be the largest airside PV (photovoltaic) system in the world and already provides a significant proportion of the airport’s solar power.
“Well done to everyone involved, this is a great accomplishment.”
