Solar Farm Makes ‘Powerful’ Statement
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndianapolis International Airport says it will soon have the largest airport solar farm on the planet. Crews have begun work on the second phase of the $55-$65 million project. When it's complete later this year, the 150-acre farm will have more than 76,000 solar panels and supply enough energy to power 3,200 homes. Airport spokesman Carlo Bertolini says the farm makes productive use out of land that had been “largely written off.” He says it can also help attract site selectors and Millennials looking for environmentally-friendly communities.
October 27, 2014
News Release
Indianapolis, Ind. – The Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) is pleased to announce that it will soon have the largest airport solar farm on the planet, able to supply enough energy to power 3,200 homes. When completed the IND Solar farm will encompass more than 150 acres, with more than 76,000 solar panels, and generate more than 31 million kilowatt hours.
“The Indianapolis Airport Authority is proud to be a partner in this initiative, which has spurred new economic activity, including jobs and tax revenues, on undeveloped land near the airfield,” said Michael Wells, president of the IAA board of directors. “Since opening, the IND Solar Farm has become an iconic image at the entrance to our airport and a compelling symbol of Central Indiana's ingenuity in pursuing sustainability and new economic development.”
“Having the world's largest airport solar farm here in Indianapolis is a powerful testimony to our commitment to both economic and environmental sustainability,” said Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. “By harnessing limited-use land near the airfield, we are finding new ways to add to the $4.5 billion annual economic impact our airport generates for our region and new ways to expand the possibilities of green energy.”
About the Indianapolis Airport Authority
The Indianapolis Airport Authority owns and operates Indiana's largest airport system. In addition to the Indianapolis International Airport, its facilities include the Downtown Heliport, Eagle Creek Airpark, Hendricks County Airport, Indianapolis Regional Airport, and Metropolitan Airport. IND has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing it as a leader within its class, including best airport in North America in 2010, 2012, and 2013 in Airports Council International's annual Airport Service Quality awards. IND is the first airport in the U.S. to win LEED certification for an entire terminal campus, and the airport has won additional recognition for excellent customer service, concessions programs, and art and architecture.
IND generates an annual economic impact in Central Indiana of more than $4.5 billion, without relying on state or local taxes to fund its operations. About 10,000 people work at the airport each day. IND serves more than 7 million business and leisure travelers each year, and averages 135 daily flights to 35 nonstop destinations. Home of the world's second-largest FedEx Express operation and the nation's eighth-largest cargo facility, IND is committed to becoming the airport system of choice for both passenger and cargo service. For more information, visit IND's Facebook page at Indianapolis International Airport and Twitter page at @INDairport.
Source: Indianapolis Airport Authority