Swissport Kenya has opened Kenya’s first solar-powered cargo facility at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi and is aiming for it to cover 30 per cent of the facility’s energy demand.
The move will also reduce energy costs and the solar panels will power cold rooms at the cargo facility.
The 104KWp solar PV is part of a tie-up with Mettle Solar Ofgen and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability and it spreads 832 square metres.
The Solar PV project consists of a mounting system, a display of four three phase grid tied inverters and 360 Canadian & JA 290 watt-peak polycrystalline modules.
Swissport Kenya chief operating officer, Rachael Ndegwa says: “The solar power plant will contribute to a healthier environment now and our clients will enjoy cheaper solar electricity without substantial upfront capital investment.”
Ndegwa adds that Swissport is working towards introducing a mix of energy sources to all its facilities.
Swissport was sold last year to Hainan Airlines’ parent company the HNA Group for 2.7 billion Swiss francs ($2.82 billion).
