Power Grid

Airports worldwide are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources, such as solar power, as part of their efforts to reduce carbon emissions and support global decarbonization goals. The aviation and building sectors are aiming to decarbonize in alignment with broader green transition targets.

Prominent international organizations like the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) are actively promoting the reduction of carbon footprints in airports to help meet global climate objectives. These efforts are vital for advancing sustainable practices within the aviation industry, which has a significant environmental impact.

The ICAO has developed a toolkit titled “A Focus on the Production of Renewable Energy at the Airport Site,” which provides guidance for airport developers on how to decarbonize their operations. This toolkit aligns with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

It is aimed at countries, civil aviation authorities, and airport developers and represents the first of several resources to aid in planning and implementing environmentally beneficial airport infrastructure projects. This document is being used by developers around the world to integrate renewable energy solutions into airport designs, making facilities more sustainable.

India has emerged as a leader in airport decarbonization, with around 80 airports now operating entirely on renewable energy. Notable airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru have achieved carbon-neutral status, accredited by the Airports Council International.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has supported solar power installations across multiple sites, and several airports have adopted green building standards, electric vehicle fleets, and energy-efficient systems. Furthermore, India's Flexible Use of Airspace initiative, which reduced carbon emissions by 90,000 tonnes between 2020 and 2023, highlights the country's commitment to optimizing airport operations and reducing environmental impact.

In other regions, airports are also making significant strides toward sustainability. In Australia, Queensland Airports Limited has entered a seven-year agreement to power two major airports, Gold Coast and Townsville, with renewable energy starting in 2025. This shift is part of efforts to support sustainable tourism, with further expansion planned ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.

Similarly, the UK’s Bristol Airport has committed to achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2025, utilizing 100% renewable energy from wind power. In the US, airports like Chattanooga Metropolitan and Boise Airport have also made the transition to 100% renewable energy. However, while individual airports are leading the way, a more coordinated global effort, including stronger international regulations and national policies, is necessary to accelerate the widespread adoption of renewable energy across the aviation sector.