Finnair Cargo COOL – 1.3 MWp Solar Power Plant Cools Operations at Helsinki-Vantaa
The Finnair Cargo COOL terminal at Helsinki Airport will be powered sustainably by a solar panel system implemented and installed by Finnwind.
The collaboration between Finnair and Finnwind, which began in 2016, continued as they sought to increase the share of solar power in the terminal’s energy production. During the summer of 2023, a total of 1.34 MWp of solar panels were installed on the roofs of two different buildings, capable of covering—and at times exceeding—the entire terminal’s electricity needs.
Finnwind’s solar power plant is a comprehensive turnkey solution.
The Finnair Cargo COOL terminal is designed for the storage and handling of cargo that requires precise temperature control. To ensure an unbroken cold chain for goods passing through the terminal, the temperature-regulated areas must operate flawlessly. In addition to temperature-controlled spaces, the building also houses office areas and cargo storage facilities.
During the construction phase of the terminal in 2016, Finnwind supplied Finnair with a solar power plant with a nominal capacity of 312 kWp.
“In 2016, the installed panels have produced approximately 10% of the facility’s electricity. ‘Solar panels are an environmentally friendly, reliable, and practical addition to electricity production,” says Arne Ziessler, the director responsible for Finnair’s facilities.
In 2023, it was decided to increase the number of solar panels to cover an even larger portion of energy consumption with renewable energy. Finnwind was selected as the supplier for the panels.
“Finnwind’s overall solution was the best for us based on the tender process. Additionally, positive experiences from a previous project supported the decision,” Ziessler notes.”
Renewable energy can cover the entire terminal’s electricity consumption at peak times.
An airport is an interesting environment for project execution, as the area has strict security classifications. Finnwind began the work at the end of June and completed the installation using its own team of solar energy specialists. The project was finalized in October 2023. A total of 1,790 new Suntech solar panels were installed, with a nominal capacity of 1.34 MWp.
“We significantly increased the number of panels, which means we can triple our electricity production. On good, sunny days, our solar power plant generates enough electricity to cover the entire Finnair Cargo facility. We can even feed surplus electricity to meet the needs of other Finnair facilities,” says Ziessler.
On sunny days, renewable energy can generate enough electricity to meet the entire terminal’s needs. Any excess electricity is fed into other Finnair facilities for use.
“The collaboration with Finnwind has gone smoothly from planning to installation. We are eagerly anticipating the figures for electricity production in the coming spring,” says Ziessler.
Finnair Cargo COOL solar plant
- Tier 1 manufacturer Suntech’s 550 Wp solar panels, with an efficiency of 21.3%.
- Safe Finnwind FS-M mounting system with weights securely integrated into the racks.
- Next-generation string inverters with multi-MPPT capability and compatible solar distribution boxes.
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