Cork Airport to Deliver Ireland's Largest Solar-Powered Carport

Cork Airport has announced plans to construct Ireland's largest solar-powered carport, in partnership with Waterford-based renewable energy company Greenvolt Next. The project, supported by grant funding from the Department of Transport and the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy, will see a canopy structure fitted with photovoltaic solar panels installed over the existing Holiday Blue car park.

The 1.7 MW carport will feature 3,696 solar panels and 5 inverters, and is expected to generate over 1.5 GWh of renewable energy each year, meeting approximately 20% of the airport's electricity needs. Construction will be rolled out in two phases, with the first commencing in early summer and the second in October, ahead of a planned completion date of August 2027.

As well as generating clean energy, the project is projected to reduce Cork Airport's CO₂ emissions by 355,056 kg per year, based on data from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), while also lowering annual electricity costs.

The contract was signed by Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director of Cork Airport, and John Carty, Chief Commercial Officer of Greenvolt Next, with Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien TD and Minister of State Jerry Buttimer TDin attendance.

Minister O'Brien said:

"The project was supported with over €2 million in Exchequer funding under the Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme. This programme was developed in 2024 to support regional state airports to reach their carbon emission reduction targets and build resilience against climate change. Cork Airport was named as the 'Best Performing Commercial Semi-State' for energy reduction by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for two years running (2021, 2022). This new solar carport will strengthen Cork Airport's sustainability credentials and forms a key part of the airport's overall sustainability strategy. The solar carport will generate up to 20% of the airport's electricity needs into the future."

Minister of State Buttimer added:

"Government recognises the important role regional airports play in their areas and in regional development. Cork Airport recorded its busiest year on record in 2025 with 3.46 million passengers choosing to use the airport which plays an important role in connecting the region to global markets, attracting investment and boosting inbound tourism. This targeted support is an indication of the importance Government attaches to regional State airports developing sustainable energy practices."

MacCarthy said:

"We understand the need for more sustainable operations at airports, which is why Cork Airport is investing in Ireland's largest solar carport today. We acknowledge the support of daa Group, the Department of Transport and the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy for making this exciting project happen. We will meet our 2030 energy reduction targets, and we are proud to confirm that."

Owen Power, CEO of Greenvolt Next Ireland, added:

"Our aim is to make renewable energy easy, and this solar carport does exactly that by enabling Cork Airport to be more resourceful, have more control, and use more reliable infrastructure. It will also deliver tangible benefits from both a financial and environmental perspective. We look forward to working with Cork Airport to both creating the largest solar carport in Ireland and future-proofing the aviation sector."

The solar carport forms part of daa Group's broader €200 million capital investment programme at Cork Airport. Works to extend the Holiday Blue car park by a further 669 spaces, including 32 dedicated spaces for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM), are also set to commence shortly after the carport construction gets under way.

Cork Airport, which welcomed 3.46 million passengers in 2025, its busiest year on record, was named Europe's Best Regional Airport by Airports Council International (ACI) Europe in June 2025.

More information on Greenvolt Next Ireland is available at next.greenvolt.com/ie.