Dalaman Airport Became a World First in Solar Energy

YDA Dalaman Airport has reached a new milestone in aviation by meeting all the electricity needs of its terminal building from the solar power plant installed on the roof. With the completion of the 2nd phase of the Rooftop Solar Power Plant project, the terminal started operating solely on renewable energy produced on the existing roof areas without using additional land. The system, producing over 20,000 MWh annually, prevents approximately 8,500 tons of carbon emissions. The project demonstrates that energy efficiency and environmental responsibility can be pursued together in airport operation despite growing passenger demand.

Dalaman Airport meets terminal needs with solar energy

YDA Dalaman Airport completed the second phase of the rooftop solar power plant and began producing 100% of the electricity used in the terminal building from solar energy. In this respect, it became the first airport terminal in the world to meet all its energy needs solely from solar panels on the roof.

A notable point in the project was integrating the power plant into the terminal roof without requiring additional land. This enabled efficient use of the existing structure and establishing a renewable energy infrastructure compatible with airport operations. The system was integrated with a special engineering study tailored to the terminal's architectural and technical structure.

The rooftop solar power plant produces over 20,000 MWh annually

The rooftop solar power plant at Dalaman Airport generates over 20,000 MWh of renewable energy annually. This production not only meets the terminal building's electricity consumption but also contributes to reducing environmental impacts.

Thanks to the project, approximately 8,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions are prevented. This environmental benefit is stated to be equivalent to the effect of about 380,000 trees. The solar panels installed on the roof also create shading, reducing the terminal’s cooling demand in summer months. This strengthens energy efficiency not only on the production side but also on the consumption side.

YDA Dalaman Airport sets a new standard in sustainable aviation

Yiğit Laçin, CEO of YDA Dalaman Airport, said the project showed what is possible when engineering and sustainability meet with a shared vision. Laçin stated that what makes the system unique is that it is installed entirely on terminal roofs and integrated with existing infrastructure.

Laçin expressed that they became the first airport in the world to meet 100% of the terminal building's energy needs solely from rooftop solar energy. He emphasized that the project is a strong indicator of long-term commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible airport management.

Scope 2 emissions are zeroed in terminal electricity consumption

With the 2nd phase of the rooftop solar power plant project, YDA Dalaman Airport acquired a strong infrastructure aiming to eliminate Scope 2 emissions associated with terminal electricity consumption. This project presents a model that can serve as a global example for renewable energy use in aviation infrastructure.

Meeting the airport’s energy needs from clean sources during a period of increasing passenger demand shows that growth and sustainability can advance on the same axis. The application in Dalaman also demonstrates how roof areas can become strategic energy production sites, especially in transportation infrastructures with high energy consumption.

Source: News Center