The purpose-built electric aircraft charging port has been installed at Saxon Air’s Business Aviation Centre at the East Anglia air transport hub and builds on Saxon Air’s existing collaboration with RenEnergy on a large-scale-grid-connected solar PV system.
The installation of the charging facility marks a new standard for regional airports, integrating a solar energy array specifically tailored for electric aircraft. The charging port uses an 18kWp solar array covering 85.9 sqm and featuring 44 high-performance solar panels. It generates around 18,146kWh or energy per year, enough to avoid 3,445kg of CO2 emissions annually.
The setup generates sustainable power for multiple operations including the electric charging port. Saxon Air’s fleet features the world’s first certified electric aircraft, the Pipistrel Velis Electro, which it uses for flight training. The installation of the solar charging canopy aligns with Saxon Air’s sustainability goals with Alex Durand the company’s CEO saying, “it also showcases electric aviation to a wider audience as we believe it’s the first of its kind at a UK regional airport.”
He also noted that the standalone location for energy self-sufficient electric aircraft operations is now “very much part of normal airport operations.”
RenEnergy also powers a solar-powered aircraft port at Norwich’s nearby Old Buckenham Airfield, further highlighting East Anglia’s commitment to clean energy in regional aviation. Expressing his delight at supporting Saxon Air in taking sustainable aviation to new heights, Damian Baker, MD of RenEnergy said: “Working alongside a forward-thinking partner like Saxon Air, we’ve developed an infrastructure that will enable them to achieve their environmental goals, while also enhancing operational efficiency. This project is a fantastic example of how innovative renewable technology can be adapted to meet the needs of modern aviation.”
Image source: RenEnergy
