Helsinki Airport is to have a 500kW solar power plant installed on its roof.

The move forms part of airport operator Finavia’s plan to go 100% carbon neutral across its 21 sites by 2020.

At Helsinki Airport, this goal will be reached in 2017 with the installation of the solar roof at Terminal 2.

At the same time, buses and other ground vehicles will also start using either electricity or bio-diesel manufactured from waste and residue.

The bulk of the airport’s carbon dioxide emissions are currently generated by the energy consumption of buildings, lighting systems and vehicles.

Finavia intends to significantly increase the use of renewable power and heat, energy efficiency measures and emission compensations to combat this.

It predicts solar power will produce nearly 10% of the power required in the new energy efficient terminal areas at Helsinki Airport.

Kari Savolainen, CEO of Finavia, said: “Finavia is committed to working hard to prevent our airports from increasing their carbon dioxide emissions in 2020.

“In addition to minimising our own emissions, this means that we are committed to reducing emissions in countries struggling with environmental problems, such as in India, through compensation mechanisms.”

A solar unit has allowed Belfast International Airport to save more than £100,000 on energy.