Rome’s Fiumicino airport took a significant step towards sustainability by unveiling a solar farm with a peak capacity of 22 megawatts (MW). Built in collaboration with energy group Enel and network service provider Circet, the project is designed to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by more than 11,000 tons annually.

Spanning 2.5 kilometers along the airport’s eastern side, the solar farm is the largest self-consumption photovoltaic system at a European airport and one of the largest globally within an airport perimeter. According to Aeroporti di Roma (ADR), which operates Fiumicino, this initiative is part of a broader renewable energy strategy aimed at sustainable growth.

“The solar farm is a perfect example of how airport grounds can be optimised... to enable the airport's sustainable growth,” said Giampiero Massolo, chairman of Mundys, ADR’s parent company.

ADR plans to expand the solar farm’s capacity to 60 MW in the next five years by adding more solar panels. The project is part of a Rs 17.8 billion (200 million euros) investment in renewable energy and sustainable mobility by ADR.

This initiative aligns with the Italian government’s goal of adding over 35 gigawatts (GW) of green energy capacity by 2030 through photovoltaic plants. However, recent regulations have restricted the installation of solar panels on agricultural land following concerns raised by sector lobbies about the impact on cultivation.

At the project’s presentation, Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin emphasized the potential of underutilized spaces for renewable energy initiatives. “This is a demonstration of how we can use many areas that do not have monumental value or high agricultural intensity to achieve the goal of decarbonisation,” he said.

The solar farm symbolizes Fiumicino’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and leading the way in sustainable aviation infrastructure. With this development, the airport sets an example for the global aviation industry to embrace renewable energy solutions.