Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, January 8, 2024
Hamilton Airport has now become the first airport in New Zealand to install and commission its own solar energy farm with projects at Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport and Hawke’s Bay Airport still underway.
The 5,000 sqm, $ 1.5 million operation was switched on towards the end of 2023 after a seven-month project led by Renewable Generation Development Limited. At peak capacity, it will generate 460kW of electricity, enough to power around 350 homes.
The energy farm has successfully run and fully powered the refurbished airport terminal during daylight hours and some ancillary buildings, including the on-site fire station for more than a month now.
Planning for the future
The solar farm, located south of the airport terminal, is the first stage of two. The second stage would be a carport-like structure of solar panels covering the airport’s car park, which is expected to be completed within the next two to four years.
It will provide an immediate 25% savings in the airport’s energy costs, initially equating to about $100,000 per year. Energy savings and capacity will increase when the next stage of the farm is completed over the next two to four years.
Waikato Regional Airport Ltd (WRAL) chief executive Mark Morgan said “The energy savings are welcome of course, but there is a more strategic long-term driver for this investment.”
“This is also around future-proofing the airport and putting in place the infrastructure we will need to support growth, including for example electric vehicle chargers. And of course, the solar farm will play an important part in our carbon emissions reduction target.”
Commitment to sustainability
“We are committed to the long-term good of our environment, living by the principles of guardianship (kaitiakitanga) and sustainability as core team values and key themes. We act locally and think globally, with a commitment to net zero carbon emission by 2050,” Mr Morgan said.
“The solar energy from the farm would provide “immediate” savings in the airport’s energy costs and would help to reduce its carbon footprint. The airport has a goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with a planned 46% reduction by 2030.”
He said other than ensuring regular maintenance was undertaken on the 840 solar panels, there was minimal work involved in managing the solar farm.
“It is pretty well self-sufficient and now that it is built, it is literally just flicking a switch. Our staff are now managing it and so far it has gone very well.”
Hamilton Airport ready for the World
Hamilton-Kirikiriroa is still an international-ready airport, he said, highlighting that Hamilton’s runway was already the country’s fourth longest, longer than Wellington. Infrastructure is already in place to enable flights to Australia, the South Pacific and even Singapore without extending the existing runway.
Last year, a $15 million passenger terminal refurbishment was made to welcome visitors to Waikato. The terminal is also home to specially commissioned cultural artworks, an integral part of the terminal refresh.
The terminal ceiling and carpet design are infused with cultural references to the Waikato River and the deep history of Pekapeka tou roa (long-tail bat). Master weaver, Tina Wirihana has produced a bespoke woven ceiling that promotes a warm and calm feeling in the arrival and departure gate area.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
