Salvador Bahia Airport, a member of the VINCI Airports network, has just started installing a solar plant at the threshold of the airport runway.
After being fully operational, the solar plant will supply more than 30% of the Terminal’s current consumption – this represents the equivalent of what is needed to supply 3,800 homes. The plant will further reduce the airport’s carbon footprint by 30%, which is equivalent to 690 tonnes per year.
“We have a solid commitment to sustainable development that guides all our actions. Investing in new technologies, improving our processes and engaging our employees towards sustainability are pillars that are part of VINCI Airports’ commitment,” says Salvador Bahia Airport’s Environment Manager, Rodrigo Tavares.
Airport Mechanical, Eletrical, Plumbing Coordinator Frederico Mascarenhas explains that the installed solar panels have a technology that reduces reflection, which avoids any interference with aircraft, and can also withstand strong winds. “The works are in full swing and the plant will start operating in the second half of February,” he says.
The construction of the solar plant also meets one of the Millennium Sustainable Development Goals, the United Nations global agenda for a better world of 2030. The goal is to expand access to clean and sustainable energy.
In January 2019, Salvador Bahia Airport was the first of the North / Northeast regions and the second in Brazil to obtain Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) certification, granted by the Airport Council International (ACI) level 1, which evaluates and recognizes the greenhouse gas emission reduction efforts by airports. The next steps are to obtain certification level 2 and recycle 100% of the waste generated.
Key figures
R $ 16 million investment
11 thousand solar panels
30 thousand m² of area
4,215 KWp of installed power
Annual production of 6,300,000 KWh.
Monthly production of 550,000 Kwh of energy.
