Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport has unveiled a groundbreaking solar farm, now the largest of its kind in Europe. Spanning 2.5 kilometers along the eastern side of runway three, this installation of 55,000 solar panels is set to transform the airport’s energy use and significantly reduce its carbon footprint.

Fiumicino’s Commitment to Sustainability

The new solar farm will generate electricity to power the airport’s operations, decreasing its reliance on fossil fuels. This is a key step in Fiumicino’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, far ahead of most airports globally. With a reduction of over 11,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually, the project is equivalent to the energy consumption of 1,477 homes per year.

Fiumicino plans to expand its solar capacity over the next five years, with an ultimate goal of producing enough energy to power 30,000 homes. The project is part of Italy’s broader efforts to repurpose unused land, such as abandoned quarries and spaces between highways, for renewable energy initiatives.

Impact on Italy’s Green Transition

The solar farm is a key part of Italy’s green transition strategy. Marco Troncone, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma, emphasized that renewable energy solutions, including photovoltaic systems and electric vehicles, are essential for the airport to achieve its net-zero emissions target in the next few years. The initiative is being praised by environmental organizations like Legambiente, which sees it as a model for sustainable development and a green economy worldwide.