Copenhagen Airport is testing green energy storage with the installation of a large battery to capture wind and solar energy, making it one of the first airports in the world to take this step towards sustainability.
The initiative is part of the EU project ALIGHT, which aims to address the complex issues of integrating battery storage technology within airports.
The project demonstrates the needs of airports future to store energy in the future from such renewable sources as solar and wind, to achieve net-zero emissions requirements.
Research and testing focuses on experiments on storing and using green power produced by solar and wind in the most efficient way.
According to Passenger Terminal Today, the test project aims to find answers on how electrification and various energy sources can become part of the configuration of airports of the future, where aircraft, vehicles and buildings receive power from 100% renewable energy.
The project will also evaluate proper handling of biofuels along with scaling potentials for an industry where future airport infrastructure must do more than today.
Testing and demonstration activities and experiments with the battery will run until the end of 2025. Experiences and knowledge will be collected continuously and shared with other airports.
Other partners include European universities including the Danish Technological Institute, Airbus, SAS, Germany’s Aerospace Center, the aviation organization IATA, and four other European airports.
Moving Airports to Sustainability
Installation of the battery is seen as a crucial move towards more sustainable airport operations, offering various scenarios for energy storage.
This initiative could potentially scale up across the airport, enhancing its green credentials.
The battery system was provided by the Xolta and has a capacity of 900kW/1,200kWh.
It will be located south of passenger terminals, near the airport’s workshops and garage facilities and can be connected to existing solar panels and EV charging stations for various system tests, without affecting the daily operation of the airport.
Hybrid Greentech’s energy management system will play a pivotal role in the efficient operation of the battery, enabling smart control over when to store or draw energy.
This innovative approach aids Copenhagen Airport in reducing its CO2 emissions and at the same time contributes to the overall energy system’s stability.
The airport’s commitment to incorporating battery technology aligns with its plans to install more than 1,000 electric vehicle charging stations, further emphasizing its dedication to sustainability.
Vancouver Airport Repurposes EV Batteries
In related news, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) recently partnered with clean-tech company Moment Energy to deliver a new battery energy storage system (BESS) at the airport that repurposes retired electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
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ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 25+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter currently serves as President of the International Motor Press Assn. (IMPA).
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter also is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Assn. (NATJA) and the North American Snowsports Journalists Assn. (NASJA).
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