Athens International Airport (AIA) has opened the world’s largest photovoltaic park at an airport, which is expected to reduce the gateway’s CO2 emissions by at least 10,000 tonnes/year.

The 8MWp installation, developed on a 160,000sqm area within the airport site, cost around €20 million and took six months to build.

The park is expected to contribute significantly to reducing the airport’s carbon footprint, and will produce 11 million kWh of energy annually, corresponding to almost 20% of the company’s electricity needs and 9% of the airport community needs.

AIA’s CEO, Yiannis Paraschis, said: “Having started in 2003, we have to date achieved a significant reduction in the company’s electrical consumption by more than 25%.

“For the future, within the framework of our actions against climate change, we are exploring the possibility of using other alternative or renewable energy sources such as geothermal energy and cogeneration, targeting a further reduction of the airport’s carbon footprint, based on the principles of energy effectiveness.”