Macaé Airport inaugurates Solar Power Plant and becomes the first energy self-sufficient airport in Brazil
Macaé Airport, managed by Zurich Airport Brazil, inaugurated this Tuesday (10) the Solar Power Plant that makes the terminal the first in Brazil to be self-sufficient in clean energy. The inauguration ceremony of the equipment was attended by the CEO of Zurich Airport Brazil, Ricardo Gesse, and local authorities.
In total, the investment was R$ 2.94 million, with the plant containing 1,444 solar panels and an installed capacity of 1 MW, enough to supply all the energy demand of the airport. The works began in October 2025 and were completed at the end of 2025, within the timeframe foreseen in the initial planning.
“The inauguration of the Macaé solar power plant reinforces Zurich Airport Brazil's commitment to sustainability in the airports where we operate. Reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable industry are commitments of our company,” explains Ricardo Gesse, CEO of Zurich Airport Brazil.
In addition to the solar power plant, Macaé Airport also recently received an investment of R$ 220 million from the Swiss concessionaire for the construction of a new runway, inaugurated in June 2025. The new runway (PPD 05/23) is 1,410 meters long and changes the airport's category, as it can now accommodate the landing and takeoff of larger aircraft – class C, such as the 737-800.
Macaé Airport is elected the best offshore airport in Brazil.
Macaé Airport won first place in the land aerodromes category in the award given by the Air and Maritime Operational Excellence and Efficiency Program – PEOTRAM 2024, from Petrobras. One of the leading benchmarks for safety and efficiency in the Brazilian oil and gas sector, PEOTRAM celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025.
The award evaluated technical and operational indicators during 2024. This recognition reinforces Macaé Airport's position as a benchmark in safety and operational excellence, in addition to offering one of the best airport infrastructures in the offshore sector. Besides this award, Macaé Airport won first place in the Sustainable Airports Award from the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), which evaluates and classifies airports based on their environmental practices in the face of the challenges of energy transition and climate change. The award highlighted Macaé Airport's initiatives in carbon emissions management, air quality, and noise control, in the category of airports with up to 200,000 passengers.
Main photo and ceremony : Rui Porto Filho