Airport upgrades with green energy

Zero 2040 
The Group's operations have a clear goal in mind based on "net climate neutrality". "We are aware that we can only achieve this goal if we combine a wide range of technical environmental measures with our established environmental (ISO 14001 and EMAS) and energy management systems (ISO 5001). One of these measures is part of the strategic energy master plan - the implementation of even more photovoltaics to generate green solar energy," says Bettina Ganghofer, Managing Director of the airport. The roof of the parking garage, which opened on October 12, 2006, was chosen as the expansion area for the PV system.

The project 
Since September 11, technicians and contracted specialist companies have been busy installing a state-of-the-art PV system over the entire area of the parking garage. "We are proud to be working with Salzburg Airport to implement an innovative photovoltaic system. This system symbolizes our commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. Not only will it provide clean energy for the airport, but it will also have a positive impact on the environment and the local community. We are sending out a strong signal for a greener future at Salzburg Airport and beyond," say Managing Directors Michaela Klampfer, MBA and Christian Mayer, MBA of G. Klampfer Elektroanlangen GmbH.

When completed, 2,658 PV modules will be installed, with each individual module generating an output of around 425 Wp (watt peak). In total, the system will have a total output of 1.13 MWp (megawatt peak). Technically, the PV system consists of two parts, the first part of 848 modules (total output of 360,400 Wp) and the second part of 1,810 modules (total output of 769,250 Wp). Once the substructure had been erected, numerous modules were installed, wired and finally put into operation. A new transformer building was erected between stairwell C and the exit ramp to the basement level to ensure that the green energy is available to the airport without any losses. This serves to feed the energy generated by the second part of the plant into the airport's 10 kV medium-voltage grid. The system was completed in mid-December and trial operation commenced. "To get an idea of what could be operated with the energy generated by our new system: It would be possible to operate 16,666 60-watt light bulbs, or 55,550 18-watt energy-saving light bulbs, or 500 fan heaters, or 7407 office PCs, or 6,493 flat-screen televisions. We are delighted to be able to feed all of this solar energy into our Group's energy cycle and thus take a further step towards becoming less dependent on externally supplied energy," Ganghofer continues.

FACTSHEET

• 15 km of cable over approx. 300 m of building length 
• Total weight of the structure (PV system + substructure): 8 tons 
• 2,658 (425 W each) modules installed 
• Power of 1.125 MWp 
• Modules were installed on an area of 5,180 m² (almost a soccer field) 
• Per annual planned yield of approx. 1 GWh (equivalent to approx. 220 households) 
• Saved CO2 emissions: 470,000 kg per year (equivalent to the total emissions of 54 average Austrians, or 4 million kilometers driven by car, or 37500 planted trees)