The Rise of Solar-Powered Airports
Solar-powered airports may seem like something out of a futuristic film, but they have become increasingly common over the last decade. With many industries eager to reduce their environmental impacts, transitioning airport operations to clean energy is a welcome change. Here is how solar-powered airports are reshaping the aviation industry.
What Are Solar-Powered Airports?
Solar-powered airports use solar energy to power their operations. They achieve this by installing rooftop solar panels or nearby solar power farms, capturing and converting the energy into electricity for runways, terminals, and other airport facilities.
Although many airports have begun offsetting energy consumption with renewables, only a handful of aviation centers worldwide have fully integrated clean solar power, reaping the benefits of fewer emissions and ample savings. These locations are a beacon for other airports to explore the possibilities of solar-powering their operations.
Benefits of Solar-Powered Airports
Airports are significant contributors to global warming. In fact, Dubai International Airport emitted 16.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) for international travel in 2019, while Los Angeles International Airport emitted 6 million metric tons domestically.
While airports have aimed to make travel safer and more efficient — such as streamlining security checkpoints, limiting containers to 3.4 ounces in carry-on bags, and requiring essential documentation — they are just beginning to understand how to make the air cleaner for everyone.
There are several benefits to solar-powered airports, including:
Environmental: Uses a clean and renewable energy source, producing zero CO2 emissions and lowering airports’ carbon footprints.
Economic: Significantly lowers utility costs and hinders traditional grid reliance.
Social: Demonstrates a commitment to improving the environment and boosting their reputations.
Considering cities account for 75% of global emissions — where the world’s largest and busiest airports are located — it’s essential for these facilities to limit their impacts.
Case Studies: Three Solar-Powered Airports Taking Flight
Although solar-powered airports are a relatively new concept, some aviation facilities have fully integrated renewable energy into their operations. Here are three solar-powered airports giving rise to solar.
Cochin International Airport Limited
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) in Kerala, India, is the world’s first solar-powered airport, having finished construction in 2015. It has achieved worldwide applause for producing 312 million solar energy units by August 2023 and reducing ample carbon dioxide emissions.
To achieve greener operations, CIAL has also implemented a waste treatment plant and channels recycled water to irrigate a nearby golf course. The airport has also commissioned a 50-megawatt-peak solar power plant, floating solar panels, and agri-photovoltaics to continue its efforts.
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport in Tennessee began a three-phase solar farm project in 2013 and completed it in 2019. The Federal Aviation Administration funded its construction through a Voluntary Low Emissions Grant, which it issues to airports in areas unsuitable for flight.
Today, the airport is 100% operable on solar energy, producing 2.73 megawatts, with 9,376 solar panels installed in total from each project phase.
Gautam Buddha Airport
Gautam Buddha International Airport in Nepal opened in 2020 and is fully solar-operational, from its terminals to its runway lights and baggage claim. The Asian Development Bank invested $10 million into the project — $1 million for every megawatt of power. Because the airport creates as much energy as it uses, it never has to pay an electric bill.
Solar-Powered Airports of Tomorrow
Technology advancements and a lower market valuation have made solar upgrades feasible and affordable at airports. One development includes thin film solar panels, which are clear cells manufacturers can insert into airport windows. Increasing panel efficiency — requiring less space to produce energy — may also prove viable for urban-centered airports to produce enough renewable energy.
Globally, several airports have taken steps toward becoming fully solar-powered, such as:
London Heathrow Airport: After reducing emissions by 93% over three decades, Heathrow will offset its remaining 7% of infrastructure emissions through tree planting, peatland restoration, and transitioning all airport vehicles to hybrid or electric power.
Changi Aiport in Singapore: The airport will complete a massive rooftop solar installation by 2025, reducing energy by 10% of its 2019 consumption levels — about 20,000 metric tons annually.
Denver International Airport: The airport will install two solar power farms on 140 acres of land, increasing its total generation capacity to 34 megawatts — equivalent to powering 6,000 homes. Experts say the project will save the airport $3 million over 25 years.
Mineta San Jose International Airport: After increasing its solar energy output from 33% to 45% in 2018, this bustling San Jose airport is upgrading to San Jose Clean Energy’s (SJCE) TotalGreen service to run entirely on renewable energy.
Solar Power Leads Aviation Development
As renewable specialists search for ways to decrease flight emissions, their efforts should also look at reducing airports’ environmental impacts. Transitioning to solar-powered airports is a promising endeavor, especially since several facilities have already proven its feasibility.
