EIA introduces the world’s-largest airport solar farm

EIA has introduced ‘Airport City Solar’, a 627-acre, 120-megawatt solar farm that will transform the west-side of EIA’s lands, create jobs and bring in a potential new power source for airport operations and the Edmonton Metro Region.

This will be largest development of its kind at an airport anywhere in the world. The new solar farm reflects EIA’s on-going commitment to economic development and diversification, along with its core value of being dedicated to sustainability.

Airport City Solar is expected to begin construction in early 2022 and be operational by the end of the year. The project will bring in an estimated $169 million in foreign direct investment to the Edmonton Metro Region. Power generated by Airport City Solar will feed into Fortis Alberta and airport distribution systems.

“One of our core principles is being dedicated to sustainability. With Airport City Solar and Alpin Sun we’re creating something the whole world will notice. We’re Canada’s largest major airport by land size so we have the space to do something very special – the largest solar farm at an airport in the world. This will create jobs, provide sustainable solar power for our region and shows our dedication to sustainability,” said Tom Ruth, President and CEO Edmonton International Airport.

The 120 Mwh facility will generate approximately 200,000 MWh per year, which is estimated to result in an annual offset of an estimated 106,000 tonnes of CO₂.

Airport City Solar will consist of approximately 340,000 solar panels and produce enough electricity to power between 27,000 – 28,000 homes

EIA has also supported environmental sustainability through testing new water filtration initiatives.