The National Grid cooperates with airport operators to learn more about their energy capacity needs. In terms of airport operations, operators are currently focused on the electrification of on-the-ground operations.
Take Charge, a National Grid project, provides motorway service stations with electricity for large numbers of rapid EV chargers. A similar solution could be used at airports to reach the capacity required for ground operations electrification.
The electrification of airport heating, terminal transport, and other areas of operations is currently challenging. In addition, aircraft are shifting towards alternative fuels, so networks are expected to support the production of hydrogen or SAF for the aircraft, as well as the potential of electric-powered aircraft.
“Whereas in the past, airport electricity demands have been for traditional uses, increasingly airports are looking to electrify more of their internal operations. At National Grid we are ensuring that airports have the capacity required to electrify more of their on-ground operations,” says Jewell.
“Airlines are also starting to investigate the options that are available for decarbonised flights. This may be through hydrogen or electric planes. We are looking at how we can accommodate future demands that may arise from the decarbonisation of aircraft themselves.”