In significant Fiumicino news, Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) has inaugurated a massive PV plant at Rome Fiumicino Airport. Featuring 55,000 mono-crystalline silicon panels and a capacity of 22 MWp, the facility spans 2.5 kilometres and will generate over 30 million kWh of electricity annually, supporting ADR’s goal of expanding its solar capacity to 60 MWp within five years.
A Landmark in Renewable Energy
Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) has unveiled a massive PV plant at Rome Fiumicino Airport, marking a milestone for renewable energy within the aviation sector. Located along the eastern side of Runway 3, this solar farm is now among the largest photovoltaic systems operating within an airport perimeter worldwide.
Designed by ADR and built by Enel with Circet following a European public tender, the project comprises approximately 55,000 mono-crystalline silicon panels stretching nearly 2.5 kilometres.
With a 22 MWp capacity, the plant is expected to generate over 30 million kWh of electricity annually—enough to meet the yearly energy needs of 30,000 Italian households or fully charge over one million electric vehicles. This output marks a significant step in ADR’s strategy to increase its installed solar capacity to 60 MWp within five years.
A Commitment to Sustainability
The €50 million investment for the solar farm is part of a broader €200 million portfolio dedicated to renewable energy and sustainable mobility initiatives. This new infrastructure will cut the airport’s CO2 emissions by over 11,000 tons per year and support ADR’s ambition to achieve Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2030, a full 20 years ahead of the aviation industry’s global target.
The project aligns with the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy of Mundys, ADR’s parent group. Mundys’ climate objectives aim to limit global warming to 1.5 °C and are certified by the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi). Few airports worldwide adhere to such rigorous protocols, making this project a benchmark in sustainable development.
“The launch of the new solar farm strengthens our commitment to the green transition,” said Marco Troncone, ADR’s CEO. “The energy independence this project ensures for our 5-star airport will significantly reduce our environmental impact.”
The solar farm also represents a new era in how airports manage their energy needs. By prioritising renewable energy, ADR is reducing its reliance on traditional fossil fuels. This transition helps the airport remain resilient against energy price fluctuations while aligning with Italy’s broader push for sustainable infrastructure development.
Enhancing Energy Independence
Beyond its environmental benefits, the solar farm boosts ADR’s energy resilience. By reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, the airport lessens its exposure to energy market volatility. This independence helps ensure sustainable operations, even during challenging economic conditions.
The photovoltaic system also demonstrates how renewable energy solutions can drive innovation in the air transport sector. Italy’s Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, praised the project’s significance.
“This photovoltaic plant proves how the energy transition can generate growth opportunities not just for businesses but also for citizens,” Fratin said. “It highlights Italian leadership in developing advanced, effective technologies for decarbonisation.”
A Vision for the Future
ADR’s solar farm demonstrates the transformative potential of renewable energy in aviation, playing a crucial role in global decarbonisation efforts and inspiring further investment in clean energy. Its scale and efficiency set a benchmark for future projects, showcasing how large-scale renewable energy can be seamlessly integrated with critical infrastructure. By pioneering this initiative, ADR has established a model for other airports to emulate.
The project also reinforces Rome Fiumicino Airport’s leadership in environmental sustainability. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, it raises the standard for innovation in the aviation sector. By prioritising renewable energy, Aeroporti di Roma is showing how sustainability can drive progress while meeting the energy needs of its expanding operations.
As ADR moves toward its 60 MWp solar capacity target, this project signals a strong commitment to making renewable energy the future of aviation. Massive PV plants like this reshape energy use in critical infrastructure and ensure development aligns with global environmental goals. The Fiumicino Airport solar farm is more than a technical achievement; it is a bold step toward a greener, more sustainable future.
