İGA Istanbul Airport Sustainability Series – Part 1

Part 1 – Stepping into a Sustainable Future with Solar Energy (GES)
We visited İGA Istanbul Airport to explore its sustainability initiatives. This series will cover three key topics:
1️⃣ Solar Power Plants (GES)
2️⃣ Wastewater Treatment Facility
3️⃣ Landscape & Green Spaces

İGA Istanbul Airport is home to ambitious, innovation-driven projects focused on energy efficiency, sustainability, and renewable energy adoption. The airport aims to become carbon neutral by 2050, committing to 100% renewable energy while improving operational efficiency. A key milestone in this journey is the Solar Energy Plant (GES) project, one of Turkey’s largest investments in renewable energy.

Pilot Solar Project at Istanbul Airport & Large-Scale Facility in Eskişehir
A pilot solar project has been launched at Istanbul Airport, while full-scale production will take place in Eskişehir on a 3-million-square-meter site.

☀️ Solar Panels at Istanbul Airport Parking Facility

Solar panels installed on upper parking levels generate 807,000 kWh of electricity annually—a small yet symbolic step toward renewable energy.
☀️ Eskişehir Sivrihisar Solar Power Plant

A massive 200 MW solar energy facility is under construction in Sivrihisar, Eskişehir.
340 million kWh annual energy production, making it 300 times larger than the pilot project at the airport.
Technical & Environmental Aspects of the GES Project
🔹 1. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) & Land Selection

A 3.4 million m² site was evaluated, and a 3 million m² area was selected to avoid agricultural land and ecological damage.
The location was carefully chosen, considering terrain conditions, flood risks, and environmental sustainability.
🔹 2. Technical Capacity & Energy Production Goals

System Capacity: 237.7 MW DC solar panels, with 199.32 MW AC energy output.
Annual Production: 340 million kWh, covering 54% of İGA’s electricity demand (248 million kWh of Istanbul Airport’s total 459 million kWh energy consumption in 2024).
Energy Integration: Power will be fed into the national grid via TEİAŞ infrastructure and offset against airport consumption.
Surplus Energy: Excess electricity will be utilized in other areas as needed.
🔹 3. Aviation & Safety Considerations

Glare & reflection analyses were conducted to ensure safe airport operations.
The project was developed in coordination with DHMİ (General Directorate of State Airports Authority) to prevent any impact on radar and flight safety.
Necessary regulatory approvals were obtained before installation.
🔹 4. Fast-Track Completion Goal

The project aims to begin full-scale energy production by May 2024.
Normally requiring 1.5–2 years, İGA’s rapid execution reflects its strong commitment to renewable energy.
Sustainability Strategy & Future Goals
İGA Istanbul Airport’s sustainability vision integrates economic, environmental, and social responsibility into a 360-degree approach:

🌍 Energy Monitoring & Efficiency:

All energy data is tracked in real-time using SCADA & IoT systems.
Data analysis platforms generate environmental performance reports, optimizing energy efficiency and reducing waste.
♻️ Carbon Neutrality Commitment:

By 2050, all energy consumption at Istanbul Airport will come from renewable sources.
A Cleaner Future with İGA
The Solar Energy Project (GES) is not just a major milestone for Istanbul Airport—it serves as a blueprint for Turkey’s energy transition. These innovative and strategic investments highlight the environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy, positioning Istanbul Airport as a global leader in sustainable aviation infrastructure.