Greenvolt Next and Cork Airport to deliver Ireland’s largest solar-powered carport
Greenvolt Next, part of Greenvolt Group, a specialist in renewable energy solutions for the commercial and industrial sector, is joining forces with Cork Airport to deliver Ireland’s largest solar-powered carport.
The landmark project, expected to be completed in August 2027, has been grant supported by the Department of Transport and Department of Climate, Environment and Energy. Minister Darragh O’Brien TD and Minister of State Jerry Buttimer TD attended the contract signing, by Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director, Cork Airport and John Carty, CCO, Greenvolt Next Ireland & UK. Set to be located at the blue carpark, the 1.7 MW carport will be rolled out in two phases – the first of which will happen before summer 2026, with the second stage to commence in September. Once complete, it is envisaged that the 3,696 solar panels and 5 inverters will generate 1.5 GWh of renewable energy each year for the airport.
As well as delivering renewable energy and lowering CO2 emissions at the airport by 355,056 KG based on SEAI, the carport will reduce annual electricity costs and boost operational efficiency by enabling on-site energy generation.
In 2025, Cork Airport experienced record-breaking passenger growth, becoming Ireland's fastest-growing airport, with 3.46 million passengers travelling through and officially marking the busiest year in the airport’s 64-year history.
It was also named as Europe’s Best Regional Airport by Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, acknowledging its efforts in promoting inbound tourism, adding new routes and being a sustainable business.
This new solar carport, which will be designed and delivered by Greenvolt Next, will further strengthen Cork Airport’s sustainability credentials and directly benefit its sustainability targets, particularly Scope 2 emissions.
This project serves as the latest one of its kind by Greenvolt Next, consolidating its position in Ireland and specifically in the aviation sector.
Speaking at Cork Airport, Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien TD said: “The project was supported with over €2 million in Exchequer funding under the Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme. This programme was developed in 2024 to support regional state airports to reach their carbon emission reduction targets and build resilience against climate change. Cork Airport was named as the “Best Performing Commercial Semi-State” for energy reduction by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for two years running (2021, 2022). This new solar carport will strengthen Cork Airport’s sustainability credentials and forms a key part of the airport’s overall sustainability strategy. The solar carport will generate up to 20% of the airport’s electricity needs into the future.”
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD, added: “Government recognises the important role regional airports play in their areas and in regional development. Cork Airport recorded its busiest year on record in 2025 with 3.46 million passengers choosing to use the airport which plays an important role in connecting the region to global markets, attracting investment and boosting inbound tourism. This targeted support is an indication of the importance Government attaches to regional State airports developing sustainable energy practices.”
Gino Gautier, Global CEO DG, Greenvolt Group, said: “At Greenvolt, we are committed to delivering projects that create positive impact and generate value for our clients, and this solar carport does exactly that by enabling Cork Airport to be more resourceful, have more control, and use more reliable infrastructure. Alongside that, it will also deliver tangible benefits not only from a financial but environmental perspective. We look forward to working with Cork Airport to both creating the largest solar carport in Ireland and future-proofing the aviation sector.”
Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport, added: “We understand the need for more sustainable operations at airports, which is why Cork Airport is investing in Ireland’s largest solar carport today. We acknowledge the support of daa Group, the Department of Transport and the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy for making this exciting project happen. We will meet our 2030 energy reduction targets, and we are proud to confirm that.”
