Greenvolt Next Teams Up With Cork Airport To Build Ireland’s Biggest Solar Carport By 2027

Greenvolt Next, part of the wider Greenvolt Group, has announced a major partnership with Cork Airport to develop Ireland’s largest solar-powered carport. This significant renewable energy project is designed to support both sustainability and operational efficiency at the airport. The solar carport will be installed at the airport’s blue carpark and is expected to be completed by August 2027.

Supported through grants from the Department of Transport and the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy, the agreement was formally signed by Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director of Cork Airport, and John Carty, Chief Commercial Officer for Greenvolt Next Ireland & UK.

The signing was attended by Minister Darragh O’Brien TD and Minister of State Jerry Buttimer TD, reflecting strong government backing for the initiative. The 1.7 MW project will be delivered in two stages: the first phase is scheduled for completion before summer 2026, and the second will begin in September of the same year.

Once operational, the system—comprising 3,696 solar panels and 5 inverters—is expected to generate around 1.5 GWh of clean energy annually. This will help Cork Airport reduce its CO₂ emissions by an estimated 355,056 kilograms per year and lower annual electricity costs by producing renewable power directly on-site.

Cork Airport has been experiencing remarkable growth, with 2025 marking its busiest year in its 64-year history as 3.46 million passengers travelled through. It was also recognised by Airports Council International Europe as Europe’s Best Regional Airport for its achievements in expanding outbound and inbound tourism, introducing new routes, and advancing sustainability initiatives. The new solar carport will further strengthen the airport’s environmental performance, particularly in reducing Scope 2 emissions. For Greenvolt Next, this project represents another step in the company’s expansion within Ireland and its growing presence in the aviation sector.

Minister of State Jerry Buttimer TD emphasised the importance of regional airports like Cork Airport in supporting economic development, international connectivity, and tourism. He stated that the government’s targeted investment reflects its commitment to helping regional airports adopt sustainable practices as they continue to grow.

Gino Gautier, Global CEO DG of Greenvolt Group, explained that the project will help Cork Airport become more self-reliant, cost-efficient, and environmentally responsible. He noted that the carport will deliver long-term benefits, both operationally and ecologically, while contributing to a more resilient aviation sector.

Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director of Cork Airport, reinforced the airport’s commitment to sustainability. He expressed gratitude to the daa Group and government departments for supporting the initiative and confirmed that the airport is on track to meet its 2030 energy-reduction targets through investments such as this solar carport.

It reinforces the company’s strategy of delivering impactful, large-scale renewable energy solutions for commercial and industrial clients. During the announcement, Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien TD highlighted that the project received over €2 million in government funding under the Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme, created in 2024 to help airports meet their carbon-reduction targets. He noted that Cork Airport has already been recognised twice by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for its leadership in energy reduction and that the solar carport could meet up to 20% of the airport’s future electricity needs.