Auckland Airport - Transport Hub

Solar for Auckland Airport's Transport Hub. Independent design and construction oversight in an operating airport.

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/ The Result

1.2MWp. 3 GWh a year. Gold Parksmart and 5 Green Star Ratings.

The Transport Hub opened progressively from early 2024 and is now a 1.2MWp array generating  approximately 1.6 GWh of electricity per year. The system supplies a significant share of the building’s energy  needs. Any excess generation not used by the outlet centre is distributed across other AIAL facilities connected to the AIAL embedded network.

1.23 MWp

System capacity - 2,462 panels across the Transport Hub Roof

1.6 GWh

Annual generation

90% by 2030

Auckland Airport's scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction target, against a 2019 baseline

/ Challenge

New Zealand's Busiest Airport Needed Clean Energy at Scale

Auckland International Airport manages a large building portfolio. The organisation is targeting a 90% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, against a 2019 baseline. Solar integration was part of the Transport Hub concept from the start.

The Transport Hub was a significant investment for Auckland International Airport. The array needed to integrate with the airport's design and systems while maintaining the building's integrity and performance.  Two design challenges shaped the project:

  • The array needed to mount onto the Kliplok roof profile, and withstand high wind pressures due to its location.
  • Glint and glare needed to be carefully managed to avoid  reflections from the array onto the flight path and control tower.

The Transport Hub also needed to clear the airport's investment hurdles. The project had to achieve the required IRR, contribute  to the CO₂ reduction target, and enhance AIAL's reputational value. Auckland Airport is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and reports annually on modern slavery risk. Revolve ensured the selected PV modules used a supply chain that met those obligations.

/ Our approach

From Feasibility to Full Operation

Auckland Airport needed confidence that every decision, from system design to contractor selection, was made in their interest. An independent owner's engineer managed the process from feasibility through construction monitoring, with no ties to any equipment supplier or installation contractor.

/ 01

Feasibility

The feasibility study combined PV generation modelling, and the building's load profile and tariff projections, to estimate annual cashflows across the system's life. Auckland Airport completed its own financial modelling in-house, using those inputs to validate the project against its investment criteria. The key hurdle was IRR. The numbers held up and the project proceeded.

/ 02

Design

Revolve coordinated closely with the building's design team throughout this phase, using a BIM model to integrate the system with the wider building design before construction began. We verified structural loads against the roof design and selected fixing clamps that worked with the roof cladding profile to maintain the roof warranty. A glint and glare study assessed the array's reflection impact on the flight path and control tower, and the design was adjusted where needed.

Our equipment selection considered more than cost and performance. We worked with the Auckland Airport team to develop a supply chain assessment criteria. We approached panel manufacturers, reviewed documentation and interviewed companies where possible.  We selected a supplier with robust internal processes, externally audited systems, and full supply-chain traceability, including clear measures to address modern slavery risks.

/ 03

Procurement

A detailed scope and specification enabled a competitive tender against a clearly defined brief. We recommended three pre-qualified contractors  to the main contractor and the winning bid was selected through a robust assessment process. The result was a market-tested price with no ambiguity about what was being built.

/ 04

Construction monitoring

Revolve worked on behalf of AIAL to ensure a high-quality installation. We reviewed the contractor's design submissions, completed regular site inspections, and assessed as-built and commissioning reviews. Sunergise delivered a quality installation while working closely with Revolve’s engineers to agree and approve construction details and practices.

Architectural sketch illustration

/ The Delivery

Independent Eyes on a Live Construction Site

Most businesses approach solar without knowing what they’re missing, the right system size, the battery opportunity, the full lifecycle cost. With five to ten vendors involved and no one accountable for the whole picture, it’s easy to end up with a project that underdelivers from day one.

Revolve worked on behalf of Auckland Airport to ensure that the contractor's installation met the required quality and performance standards. This involved reviewing contractor design submissions, regular site inspections, review and validation of commissioning results, thermographic imaging, review of all completion documentation, and end of DLP inspection and sign-off.

Quality of work on site was generally excellent.

/ Testimonials

Trusted by New Zealand's Best.

“Revolve Energy has an deep understanding of the solar energy market, products and technology. Their thorough approach and expert independent technical guidance have enable us to deliver two of New Zealand’s leading rooftop solar systems.”

/ Peter Donovan / Head of Delivery / Auckland International Airport

/ Beyond the Project

Beyond the Transport Hub

In parallel, Revolve fulfilled the same role for Mānawa Bay where a 2.3MWp array was installed. The two projects together deliver 3.49MWp of solar generation across the airport precinct.

/ Results

Real Projects. Real Outcomes.

We help businesses and community groups realise their renewable energy goals. Take a look at our projects to find out how.

Solar for Auckland Airport's Transport Hub. Independent design and construction oversight in an operating airport.

Solar for Auckland Airport's Mānawa Bay outlet centre. Independent design and construction oversight.

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