BELFAST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

SOLAR FARM

 

SunMind, a wholly owned subsidiary of VINCI Concessions, the parent company of Belfast International Airport, specializes in the development, financing, and maintenance of solar power plants, particularly within VINCI Concessions’ portfolio of assets.

THE PROJECT

SunMind are in the environmental assessment and preparation stages of a forthcoming planning application for a solar farm on lands located approx. 1.1km west of Belfast International Airport, main terminal, and located immediately west of Seacash Road and south of 26 British Road. A site location plan is enclosed alongside which identifies the subject site.

The proposed solar farm will use ground-mounted solar panels and inject the electricity generated into the national grid, contributing to Northern Ireland’s ambitions to have 80% of its electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030 and to achieve affordable, carbon-free energy by 2050.

BENEFITS

21 GWh per year

Equivalent to the energy needs of 6,520 homes

Icône SunMind

CO2 savings of over 11,000 tons per year

Icône SunMind

Equivalent to taking more than 8,472 cars off the road per year

PROJECT TIMELINE

FAQ

Research shows that solar farms typically do not negatively impact property values. This project includes landscape integration and visual screening where necessary, ensuring it blends naturally into the surroundings. Additionally, the presence of a solar farm can reflect the community’s commitment to sustainable energy, which may be a positive feature for environmentally conscious buyers.

Solar farms are generally quiet, with minimal noise generated during normal operation. The primary noise source might come from inverters and cooling fans, but this is typically low and only noticeable when near the equipment.

To ensure safety, the site will be enclosed by a post and wire “deer style” fence approximately 2 meters high, with CCTV cameras monitoring the area continuously. The cameras will be positioned to respect the privacy of nearby residents. These measures are designed to protect the solar farm infrastructure while maintaining a safe and secure environment for the community.

Solar panels generate electricity whenever there is light, not just direct sunlight. Even cloudy days can produce energy due to visible light levels. During the summer, longer daylight hours increase energy production, ensuring a steady contribution to the grid.

During construction phase, a temporary increase in traffic around the site is expected due to the transportation of materials and equipment. The work schedule will be planned to optimize traffic flow and prioritize deliveries during off-peak times.

Solar farms are a safe and environmentally friendly energy source. Photovoltaic (PV) panels do not emit pollutants or harmful radiation and have no adverse health effects.

Do you have more questions? Come to meet us or contact us!

LOCAL PUBLIC EVENT

Venue: Maldron Hotel, Belfast International Airport, 200 Airport Road, Crumlin, BT29 4ZY

Date: Tuesday, 26th November 2024

Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Your views are important to us as they will help shape the development proposal.
Please, take a few minutes to complete this short questionnaire: click here.

CONTACTS

Planning Agent: RPS – c/o Erin Donaldson

Email: erin.donaldson@rps.tetratech.com

Address: RPS, Elmwood House, Boucher Road, Belfast, BT12 6RZ

Tel: 028 9066 7914

Project Manager: SunMind – Alexis Jagorel

Email: alexis.jagorel@vinci-concessions.com

Tel: +33 6 20 43 72 96

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