Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) has inaugurated a massive PV plant at Rome Fiumicino Airport, which features 55,000 mono-crystalline silicon panels and a capacity of 22 MWp. The plant — spanning 2.5 kilometres — will generate over 30 million kWh of electricity annually, thus supporting ADR’s goal to expand solar capacity to 60 MWp in five years.
A Landmark in Renewable Energy
Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) has unveiled a massive PV plant at Rome Fiumicino Airport, which marks a milestone in 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 globally.
The project — designed by ADR and executed by Enel with Circet — was completed following a European public tender. The solar farm spans nearly 2.5 kilometres and features approximately 55,000 mono-crystalline silicon panels.
With a capacity of 22 MWp, the plant is expected to generate over 30 million kWh of electricity annually. This is a significant step in ADR's strategy to increase its installed solar capacity to 60 MWp within five years. This expanded capacity could meet the yearly energy needs of 30,000 Italian households or fully charge over one million electric vehicles.
A Commitment to Sustainability
The €50 million investment for the solar farm is part of a broader €200 million portfolio aimed at renewable energy and sustainable mobility initiatives. This new infrastructure will cut the airport’s CO2 emissions by over 11,000 tons per year. It also supports ADR's ambition to achieve Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of the aviation industry’s global target.
The project aligns with the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy outlined by Mundys — ADR's parent group. Mundys' climate objectives, which is certified by the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), aim to limit global warming to 1.5 °C. Few airports worldwide adhere to such rigorous protocols, thereby 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 reduces its reliance on traditional fossil fuels. This transition ensures the airport remains resilient against energy price fluctuations. It also aligns 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 reliance on fossil fuels, the airport minimises exposure to energy market volatility. This independence ensures sustainable operations, even in 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, lauded 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. It plays a crucial role in global decarbonisation efforts and inspiring further investments in clean energy. The solar farm's scale and efficiency set a benchmark for future projects. This showcases how large-scale renewable energy can seamlessly integrate with critical infrastructure — particularly in energy-intensive environments like airports. By pioneering this initiative, ADR establishes a model for other airports to emulate.
The project also reinforces Rome Fiumicino Airport’s leadership in environmental sustainability. It not only reduces carbon emissions, but it also raises the standard for innovation in the aviation sector. By prioritising renewable energy, Aeroporti di Roma highlights how sustainability can drive progress while addressing the growing energy needs of expanding airport operations.
As ADR moves toward its 60 MWp solar capacity target, this project signals a strong commitment to renewable energy as 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 and more sustainable future.