iGA Istanbul Airport becomes fully powered by solar energy
iGA Istanbul Airport has become the world’s first airport to meet 100% of its electricity demand from solar energy, following the commissioning of its 240 MW Eskişehir Solar Power Plant.
Developed through a €220 million investment across approximately three million square metres, the facility is one of the largest renewable energy projects in the global aviation sector. It now supplies all electricity used within the airport’s operational scope, representing a major milestone in the airport’s decarbonisation journey.
The project is expected to prevent approximately 212,800 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, while contributing to a 27.8% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared with the airport’s 2019 baseline. As part of its broader climate strategy, iGA Istanbul Airport has also increased its 2030 renewable energy target from 50% to 90%, further strengthening its pathway towards Net Zero emissions by 2050.
To preserve the architectural design of the terminal, the solar panels were installed at the Eskişehir site rather than on the airport itself. Enabled by Türkiye’s energy legislation, which allows renewable electricity to be supplied from an offsite facility, iGA Istanbul Airport has become the world’s first mega airport to operate entirely on clean electricity generated beyond its own premises.
iGA Istanbul Airport CEO Selahattin Bilgen stated: ‘Our Eskişehir Solar Power Plant, which came online in 2025, is the strongest reflection of our sustainability-centred approach. Within just 5 months, the Solar Power Plant generated energy equivalent to 54% of our total annual electricity consumption. By 2026, we are now able to meet 100% of our electricity needs within our scope of responsibility from solar energy. This means one of the world’s largest airports is powered entirely by 100% renewable electricity – a first in the history of aviation.’
Currently accredited at Level 4 of Airport Carbon Accreditation, the airport continues to demonstrate how large-scale renewable energy investments can accelerate airport decarbonisation while supporting long-term climate objectives.
