It seems like solar energy, in the last decade or two, has become the leader when it comes to alternate energy sources that are being rapidly embraced. For starters, it is available everywhere and in abundance. Unlike wind energy, you need not have tall stand-out structures installed to tap into it. Its ergonomic nature and long term utility have meant that it has made extensive appearance whenever someone has wished to go carbon neutral and the case of Bournemouth Airport is no different.
Riding on the wings of solar power, the Bournemouth airport has become the first carbon neutral airport facility in all of Europe. Considering the amount of stick that aviation industry gets when it comes to pollution and carbon emissions, this is a huge step forward and a wonderful trendsetter indeed. The transformation happened as part of £45m redevelopment program at the airport that saw a 74.98 kWp solar panel structure in place.
While much of this comes from the solar rooftops and solar shades that have been installed extensively at the airport’s various sections, the others come from a series of panels facing south, arranged to tap into solar power in the best possible manner. This, along with an overhaul in the internal lighting facility, operation systems and energy consumption, has made Bournemouth the first carbon neutral airport facility in all of Europe.
Those at the heart of the operation believe that solar energy is a wonderful long term investment both ecologically and economically with the installation already giving 11% return and in times to come will help further improve the recently battered image of aviation industry. This, on the same day, when Finnair announced to fly the longest commercial biofuel flight till date! So, it seems like a sunny future awaits us just over the horizon.
Via: SolarPowerPortal
