Widely used since ancient times, renewable energies have come to play a decisive role in the world's energy supply. The use of renewable and inexhaustible energy sources, which also enable zero local greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is a matter of great importance within the country’s energy mix. The maturity levels of technologies such as wind and solar power increasingly support the deployment of these types of facilities, while additional options continue to improve and develop.
Airports have a remarkable potential for the implementation of renewable energies, due to their unique conditions and infrastructures. Therefore, the integration of energy generation systems from renewable sources is a challenge, as they are increasingly expected to play a leading role in energy supply. There are numerous applications at airports that can be powered by renewable energy, helping to increase their overall level of sustainability. Aena is actively studying the implementation, integration and development of energy generation systems from renewable sources for its airports.
In this regard it is worth noting, to date:
- Wind turbines at La Palma Airport, a pioneer in the world of international civil aviation in the use of wind energy as a primary energy source.
- Solar thermal energy collectors installed in practically all airports in the Aena network to support domestic hot water supply to terminals.
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Solar photovoltaic installations: As part of its strategy to achieve carbon neutrality, the Aena Climate Action Plan includes the Photovoltaic Plan.
The Photovoltaic Plan, launched in 2020, envisages the planning and implementation of solar photovoltaic installations on the ground, canopies and roofs at various airports in the network.
These include the photovoltaic solar plant at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. With a capacity of 142.42 MWp and 120 MWn, it stands as one of the largest renewable energy generation facilities in the airport sector worldwide.
- Cogeneration plants at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas and Bilbao airports. Both installations operate by harnessing the heat from the exhaust gases of the electric motor-generators and the cold from their low-temperature refrigeration to power the heating and air-conditioning systems.
- Aerothermal and geothermal systems to support air conditioning at Reus Airport.
