Thomson Geer advise on Adelaide Airport s 1.17 MW solar system

Thomson Geer advise on Adelaide Airport’s 1.17 MW solar systemAdelaide Airport Limited (AAL) have recently announced that it will construct a 1.17 MW, 8000-squaremetre solar system, comprising a total of 40 solar panels, on the roof of the airport’s short-term car park.Thomson Geer, led by Adelaide Partner, Tony Saint and Senior Associate, Mellissa Larkin, advised AAL on the procurement methodology and the Invitation to Tender & Construction Contract for the project.The solar system is projected to reduce the airport’s energy consumption and carbon emissions by up to 10 per cent, and will become the largest private sector solar system in South Australia. The new system, which will be built by Solgen Energy, has the capability to power 300 homes a year and will bring the airport’s total rooftop solar capacity to 1.28 MW.Brenton Cox, Adelaide Airport general manager said the system will expand on the airport’s existing solar energy system, which was built in 2007. He explained that the business’ vision is “inherently tied up with being environmental leaders”. Adelaide Airport is the only airport in Australia to receive recognition by the global Airport Carbon Accreditation Program for optimising its management of carbon emissions.AAL plans to undertake the $2.5 million upgrade without any government assistance, with work expected to commence in December, and be completed by April 2016.