Saturday, February 17, 2024
Fraport advances its eco-friendly overhaul at FRA, aiming for a diesel-free apron by 2040 with electric GPUs, supported by German funding.
Fraport is advancing a significant upgrade to its ground power systems at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in alignment with its environmental sustainability goals. By 2040, the company aims to eliminate all diesel-powered units currently used to supply electricity to aircraft systems while they are parked, as part of its commitment to climate protection. However, due to the layout of the airport, not all of the 255 aircraft parking spots can be equipped with a permanent 400 Hz power supply. For these spots, Fraport plans to use battery-operated ground power units (GPUs) instead.
This eco-friendly project is bolstered by a grant from the German Ministry for Digital and Transport’s ground power directive program, providing €215,000 to support the installation of a battery-powered e-GPU at a specific location in terminal C. This initiative, costing a total of €307,000, addresses the unique structural challenges of providing sustainable power solutions at the airport.
Christoph Schiller, a key member of Fraport AG’s asset management team, outlined the project’s goals, emphasizing the initial focus on electrifying parking positions without current access to stationary power. This effort requires significant groundwork, which must be executed without disrupting airport operations, aiming to connect about 12 spots by 2026. Currently, 67% of positions are electrified, but certain locations cannot be upgraded with fixed power units due to the need for above-ground transformers, particularly at ‘roll-through’ positions where aircraft depart using their own power. Schiller highlights the transition to mobile electric GPUs at these sites as crucial for removing diesel units, potentially saving 30,000 liters of diesel and significantly cutting CO2 emissions annually. Fraport now operates eight electric GPUs, moving away from the 61 diesel units previously in use.
The ground power initiative, funded by the German Ministry for Digital and Transport, promotes the adoption of greener, more sustainable ground power solutions at airports. Managed by NOW GmbH and approved by the Federal Agency for Administrative Services (BAV), this initiative reflects a broader effort to reduce environmental impact.
Incorporating climate protection into its sustainability framework, Fraport commits to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 at Frankfurt and across all its global airport operations. With a target to lower emissions to 50,000 tonnes by 2030 at FRA, these climate objectives are a central aspect of the Group’s sustainability strategy, underscoring Fraport’s dedication to long-term environmental stewardship. The comprehensive revamp of ground power supply systems at FRA is a key step towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly operational model.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
