AGS Airports has launched its Horizons sustainability and ESG strategy — described as Looking ahead, acting together — while marking the switch-on of Glasgow Airport's solar farm, which is already meeting roughly a quarter of the site's power demand.

The multi-million-pound scheme was developed by AGS Airports alongside energy transition adviser and developer Ikigai Group.

The 10MW facility, situated on airport land off Barnsford Road, was funded and delivered by Zestec Renewable Energy, which will also manage and optimise it over the long term.

With more than 14,300 photovoltaic panels, the installation generates renewable power for airport operations and reduces reliance on grid electricity.

The solar farm is a flagship element of Horizons, whose four pillars are Achieving Net Zero, Supporting Our Communities, Supporting Our People and Innovation.

Under Horizons, AGS has restated its aim to reach net zero for its own emissions by 2035, while continuing to invest in its people, support local communities and back innovation across aviation.

Fiona Smith, Executive Director of ESG & Sustainability at AGS Airports, said: "The launch of Horizons marks an important moment for AGS Airports as we set out a clear vision for building a more sustainable future for our airports. Looking ahead, acting together captures our belief that meaningful progress can only be achieved through collaboration. The solar farm is an example of that approach in action and a major milestone on our sustainability journey."

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The project also delivers an AGS target to generate 25% of on-site renewable energy for Glasgow Airport's own use by the end of 2026, and is expected to save around 1100 tCO2e annually.

Toby Smith, Chief Operating Officer at Zestec, said: "We are pleased to have delivered this significant renewable energy project for Glasgow Airport. With the solar farm now operational, we look forward to managing and optimising it over the long term, helping the airport make the most of the renewable energy it generates."

The delivery of the project was supported by SP Energy Networks (SPEN), the electricity network operator for central and southern Scotland. Martin Maxwell, SPEN's District General Manager for Ayrshire and Clyde South, said: "It's fantastic to see this new solar farm now up and running – powering a cleaner and greener future for AGS and Glasgow Airport and kickstarting a new era for this thriving transport hub. We're proud to have played our part in bringing this project to life and working with AGS to 'look ahead and act together'."

Helena Anderson, Chief Operating Officer at Ikigai, commented: "We supported Glasgow Airport from inception to energisation, jointly developing the onsite generation project and securing the most competitive investor. It is rewarding to see that collaboration now delivering clean, competitively priced electricity for the airport."

Innovation remains central to Horizons, with work under way to replicate Glasgow's solar model at Aberdeen International and Southampton airports. AGS is also aiming to help deliver the UK's first scheduled zero-emission passenger route, following its support earlier this year for the UK's first real-world electric aviation demonstration programme, during which BETA Technologies' all-electric ALIA aircraft completed flights across Scotland to show how zero-emission aircraft could operate from existing airport infrastructure.

Kam Jandu, Chief Executive Officer at AGS Airports, commented: "By generating clean energy on-site, we are reducing our carbon footprint, strengthening our energy resilience and creating long-term value for the airport and the communities we serve.

"Horizons reflects our ambition not only to reduce our environmental impact but also to help shape the future of sustainable aviation. Horizons and the targets we have set ensure AGS Airports continues to lead by example."