Resilience in Aviation: The Shift Towards Energy Independence
When Christina Cassotis, the CEO of Pittsburgh International Airport, learned about the recent power outage that led to the suspension of operations at London’s Heathrow Airport, her thoughts immediately went to the dedicated workers striving to manage the ensuing chaos. However, when faced with a similar situation at home, her approach is one of calm determination: keep cool and press on.
For nearly four years, Pittsburgh International Airport has been operating on a blend of on-site natural gas generators and solar panels. This innovative setup, known as a microgrid, has enabled the airport to save approximately $1 million annually on energy costs while also providing a reliable backup through the electric grid, as Ms. Cassotis highlighted. “We pursued this because we prioritized resilience and redundancy,” she stated. “Airports are essential transportation infrastructure. We must ensure that we can function no matter the circumstances.”
This level of energy self-sufficiency is quite uncommon, particularly among larger airports. While many airports maintain backup generators to support critical operations like air traffic control and essential lighting during outages, these conventional emergency systems have inherent limitations. For instance, they often require refueling if an outage persists for an extended period. Consequently, most airports continue to depend heavily on external power sources to keep passengers and aircraft moving smoothly.
However, U.S. airports are increasingly exploring the potential of generating and storing electricity on-site—primarily through solar energy and battery systems—to reduce carbon emissions, prepare for future energy demands, and mitigate the rising disruptions associated with climate change and aging infrastructure.
- Denver International Airport has multiple connections to the grid as a precaution in case one fails. Recently, it implemented a solar-powered battery storage system to ensure that its underground trains remain operational during emergencies.
- At New York’s Kennedy International Airport, a comprehensive $19 billion renovation plan includes the installation of thousands of solar panels and battery systems. This initiative aims to minimize emissions and ensure that the new Terminal 1, set to open in 2026, can continue functioning seamlessly even during outages, which can be notably disruptive and costly for both airports and their patrons.
