Six solar-powered airports take off in South Africa

Often in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by acres of land, South Africa's airport environs are solar farms waiting to happen.

With over 2,500 hours of sunshine per year in South Africa, it makes perfect sense for the country's airports to tap into this local resource.

In the last year Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has unveiled three solar-powered airports across the country, the first on the African continent to harness solar power.

By the end of this year three more regional airports will join the green initiative by launching solar power plants.

Half powered by the sun

The state-owned ACSA told CNN over email that it is committed to reducing the pressure on South Africa's constrained power grid by around 50%.

This is because the solar farms currently supply approximately 45% of the airport's power requirement. The remaining 55% is drawn from the national grid.

"The long-term plan is to have the airports generate their own energy," says ACSA corporate affairs senior manager, Senzeni Ndebele.

The company intends to "greenify" all its airports and achieve carbon neutrality by 2025, Ndebele explains.

South Africa's big six

Located halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, George airport boasts a 200-square-meter solar plant which currently delivers 750Kw power.

Kimberley Airport, situated in the capital of the Northern Cape Province, began operating its 1.7 acre solar power plant in May 2016, a month after George Airport.

Further north, Upington's solar plant, which opened in July 2016, delivers 1 million kilowatt hours of power per annum to the airport.

Preparations are underway for Port Elizabeth International Airport, Bram Fischer International Airport and East London Airport to launch solar PV systems in October, November and December respectively.

By 2025, ACSA's strategy is to become the "the most sought after partner in the world for the provision of sustainable airport management solutions."