Renewable energy, widely used for centuries, have now become of great relevance in the world's energy supply. The use of renewable, inexhaustible sources of energy which also eliminate local greenhouse gas emissions is a very important part of the country's energy mix. The degree of maturity of technologies such as wind or solar power means that facilities of this type become increasingly available, and there are more options in continuous development and improvement.
Airports have great potential for implementing renewable energy, due to their unique conditions and infrastructure. Thus, the challenge is to integrate the renewable energy systems that are increasingly important in energy provision. There are many applications which can be covered by renewable energy in airports, giving them an ever greater degree of sustainability. Aena is actively studying the implementation, integration and development of renewable energy systems for its airports.
In this regard it is worth pointing out, to date:
- The presence of two wind turbines in La Palma Airport, world pioneer in international civil aviation in the use of wind energy as primary energy source.
- Thermal solar panels installed on the terrace of Palma de Mallorca Airport, whose energy supplies the sanitary hot water to this building during the summer, while in winter it is incorporated into the heat ring that provides the terminal heating.
- Cogeneration plants at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airports and Bilbao. Both facilities make use of the heat of the gases and the heat dissipation of thermal motor generators, in order to supply to power both the heating system and the absorption cold production system for air conditioning systems. In addition, the thermal engines have electric generators fitted which produce the electricity for the terminal control area.
- Hot water systems with thermal solar energy in various facilities in the airports of La Gomera, León and Salamanca, as well as renewable energy studies in the airports of Gran Canaria, Málaga-Costa del Sol and Seve Ballesteros-Santander.
