As the world embraces sustainable and renewable energy, solar power has emerged as a leading alternative to traditional fossil fuels. With global electricity demand on the rise, many nations are exploring innovative ways to expand their renewable energy capacity. One promising approach is redeveloping airport land for renewable energy projects. Among these initiatives, airport solar farms are gaining popularity, offering a range of significant benefits.
The Tucson Airport Authority, tasked with overseeing the land holdings of the Tucson International Airport, aimed to assess the renewable energy capacity of their properties. Simultaneously, they sought to effectively promote leasing opportunities for renewable energy projects. Their objectives included attracting prospective lessees, advancing clean energy production, and evaluating the renewable energy potential of their land assets. By listing underutilized airport-owned land for lease on LandGate's platform, the Tucson Airport was able to lease their property for a solar farm, which will generate revenue and produce clean energy.
Clean Energy Development on Airport Land: The Tucson Airport Authority
The Tucson Airport Authority listed a 1,036 acre property for lease for solar energy on LandGate’s marketplace in Q2 of 2023. The listing drew in multiple qualified offers, and a winning lessee was selected in January 2024. With the lease agreement secured, the lessee will begin developing the solar farm and energy storage facility on the property in 2025.
Benefits of Clean Energy Development on Airport Land
The main benefits of leveraging airport land for clean energy development include revenue generation, maximizing existing resources, transforming underutilized land, and clean energy production.
Revenue Generation: By leasing airport properties for clean energy projects, airports can long-term generate revenue in the form of lease payments paid by energy developers. The Tucson Airport Authority will be generating income for lease payments paid out by the solar developer per acre each year for 25 years, which will yield a seven-figure increase in revenue for the TAA overall.
Maximizes Existing Resources: Using airport land for solar energy efficiently avoids disrupting other industries or communities. Since airports already occupy this land, there’s no need to displace people or businesses for solar installations. This eliminates land-use conflicts with agriculture or housing, ensuring a smooth path to adopting clean energy. Additionally, airports near urban areas can use existing infrastructure like roads and power grids, lowering costs for solar energy.
Transforms Underutilized Land: Airports manage vast unused land, offering a unique chance to generate renewable energy. Installing solar panels on these spaces allows airports to maximize land use while producing energy efficiently. As airports expand, solar farms provide a sustainable solution, requiring minimal maintenance and avoiding issues like attracting wildlife. Solar installations conserve farmland and reduce environmental impact, making them an eco-friendly choice.
Positive Environmental Impact: Airport solar energy production has significant environmental benefits. It avoids developing other areas, preserving habitats and ecosystems—especially important in dense regions. Solar energy is clean and emits no greenhouse gases. Denver International Airport (DIA) leads the way with 42,614 solar panels generating 10 megawatts, offsetting nearly 12,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, according to DIA. The Tucson Airport's solar project is expected to produce 100MW of energy for the area and about 50 MW of energy storage.
How to Lease Airport Land for Renewable Energy
As of January 2024, nearly half of U.S. retail electricity sales are covered by mandatory renewable portfolio standards, with many states, localities, and public utilities expected to invest in renewables this year. In order to reach these goals, public and airport-owned land will need to be utilized for clean energy development.
Government agencies and airport property owners can lease their land for renewable energy to help contribute to these goals and generate revenue. Government agencies interested in leasing their land for renewable energy can list their properties for lease for free on LandGate's open marketplace for exposure to a unique network of renewable energy developers and investors. LandGate's platform provides lease estimates for every U.S. parcel, helping public landowners analyze their properties for the best opportunities. Learn more below and schedule a call with our team to uncover the potential of your agency's properties:
