Further terminal, property and airfield developments are driving Melbourne Airport’s increasing electricity demand over the next five years. This growth is occurring within an evolving energy and carbon regulatory environment and increasing community expectations about environmental stewardship.

Melbourne Airport is committed to supporting our increasing energy use in a sustainable way – we have a Scope 1 and 2 Net Zero Target by 2025. Key to achieving that target is by investing in more on-site renewable energy by constructing a second solar farm: the North Airfield Solar Farm.

Over 98% of our emissions are generated from electricity and natural gas used to power and heat our terminals and associated buildings. That’s why we are focussed on reducing our reliance on grid energy and introducing renewables.

We’re committed to growing the airport in an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable way. A second solar farm will help achieve this commitment.

The 12 megawatt Oaklands Junction Solar Farm is 16 hectares in size. It comprises an estimated 30,000 solar panels under the approach to the north-south runway. 

The North Airfield solar farm will produce 7.5 megawatts of energy and will sit adjacent to our existing Oaklands Junction solar farm on the corner of Sunbury Road and Oaklands Drive. Design of the solar farm is underway and is estimated to comprise around 20,000 solar panels. 

The two solar farms together cover an area about the size of 40 soccer pitches. They will generate 34 GW hours of energy per annum and together, provide approximately 40% of the airport’s total energy consumption needs. This is enough energy to power terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The North Airfield Solar Farm is the second largest solar installation at any airport in Australia – our existing Oaklands Junction Solar Farm is the largest.

At Melbourne Airport, we are soaring towards a greener future. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability is setting a powerful precedent for airports worldwide. Learn more about Melbourne Airport's GreenPower Network empowered by Homegrown Energy here.