Copenhagen Airport's solar power system inaugurated
CPH is the first Danish airport to have installed a solar power system. Initially a pilot project, the system is to provide the airport with sustainably produced energy and forms part of the airport's strategy for sustainable energy and CO2-neutral growth.
Responsible growth and sustainable solutions are pivotal to Copenhagen Airport's new, 750 sqm. solar power system, which was officially inaugurated yesterday by Henrik Zimino, Mayor of Tårnby. The system has an output of 125 kWp and is expected to produce 105,000 kWh per year – 0.2 % of the airport's annual power consumption.
The system is off to a good start. Since being installed in late June, it has produced around 45,000 kWh, helped by the glorious summer weather we had. Until now, the system has been operating smoothly, and it is certainly meeting our expectations so far, said Christian Poulsen, Vice President, Assets & Technology, Copenhagen Airports A/S.
Simple and inexpensive to scale
The efficiency of solar cells has improved significantly in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue. CPH's solar power system is therefore initially intended to serve as a pilot system to accumulate knowledge and operational experience. The system was intentionally designed so as to be simple and inexpensive to scale, making it highly adaptable to future needs.
“Our aim is to expand Copenhagen Airport in a CO2-neutral manner. We are preparing to serve 40 million passengers a year, but our growth must be sustainable. Even though we are expanding our buildings and the number of passengers is growing, our energy consumption must not rise. In fact, we have committed ourselves to reducing CO2 emissions per passenger from 1.4 kg CO2 in 2012 to a maximum of 1.0 kg in 2020,” said Inger Sturm, Environmental Manager, Copenhagen Airports A/S.
Mr Zimino cut the green ribbon
The solar power system is installed on the roof of the building Teknikergården at CPH's restricted area in the town of Maglebylille. When the system was installed, safety tests were carried out to ensure that its operation is optimal and safe for the airport's customers and neighbours. Particular care was taken to ensure that reflections from the solar cell modules do not bother aircraft, passengers or the airport's neighbours.
The airport's relations with neighbours and the local community are particularly important to CPH, and Mr Zimino was very pleased to congratulate Copenhagen Airport on the solar power system as he cut the green ribbon to inaugurate the system.
“Copenhagen Airport is an important growth engine for the municipality of Tårnby, for the island of Amager and for all of Denmark. When Copenhagen Airport does well, so does Tårnby. As neighbours to a large business like Copenhagen Airport, it is important that we maintain a close collaboration, not least in terms of environmental and climate matters, where we have common interests in the areas of noise, water resources and climate adaptation,” said Mr Zimino, adding: “This system demonstrates that CPH is committed to developing in a responsible and sustainable manner for the benefit of the airport as well as the municipality of Tårnby.”
Facts about the system
- Location: On the roof of Teknikergården in Maglebylille
- Capacity and size: 125 kWp (750 m2)
- Expected output: 105,000 kWh per year
- First three months' output: 45,101.47 kWh (25/6 - 21/9)