Powervamp offers Greener Power to Bristol Airport.
As airports strive to satisfy new government emission directives, the emphasis on reducing their carbon footprint is becoming increasingly important.
The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, or CORSIA, aims to stabilise CO2 emissions at 2020 levels by requiring airlines to offset the growth of their emissions after 2020.
“…Bristol Airport has reduced its overall emissions by 12% over the last 4 years…”
One particular forward thinking airport has been working with Powervamp – the UKs leading designer and manufacturer of ground power units – as part of its commitment to reducing its own emissions.
The ambitious carbon roadmap will conclude in 2050 with a ‘net zero’ airport
Bristol Airport started its emission reduction journey in 2014 and since then has reduced its overall emissions by 12% over the last 4 years, despite an impressive 36.5% increase in passenger numbers. This equates to an overall 37% reduction on a per passenger basis.
Powervamp has worked closely with Bristol Airport for a number of years, in fact the airport was instrumental in assisting with the development of its environmentally friendly PV90-3 fixed electrical ground power (FEGP) units that are now installed.
“…Powervamp’s equipment has played a key role in reducing ‘on the ground’ emissions at Bristol Airport…”
These state-of-the-art systems replace the requirement for the more traditional ‘smoky’ diesel ground power units, (GPUs), whilst also offering advantages including improved reliability, intuitive controls and a pluggable primary power module to keep any maintenance downtime to an absolute minimum.
Simon Earles is Director of Planning and Sustainability at the forward-thinking Bristol Airport
The FEGP units are able to provide up to 90kW 400Hz of power to aircraft once they arrive at their stand and facilitates the ability to run all lighting, heating, avionics suite and general power systems with zero noise pollution and zero carbon emissions.
The FEGP also allows huge collective fuel savings as they negate the need for aircraft to run their Jet A1 powered auxiliary power units (APU). This equates to considerable financial savings for the airlines as well as the obvious environmental advantages.
“…By working with world class aerospace businesses on our doorstep we can continue to make strides to reduce our carbon footprint…”
Simon Earles, Planning & Sustainability Director at Bristol Airport, is tasked with overseeing the impressive carbon reducing roadmap and commented on the Powervamp FEGP ground support equipment:
“Powervamp’s equipment has played a key role in reducing ‘on the ground’ emissions at Bristol Airport and our plans to extend the availability of fixed electrical ground power across all aircraft stands will deliver further progress.”
The ‘Sidewinder’ cable carrier system & ‘PV90-3’ GPU offer a green alternative to diesel power carts
“By working with world class aerospace businesses on our doorstep we can continue to make strides to reduce our carbon footprint while providing a boost to the regional economy at the same time.”
“…Bristol Airport will become a net zero airport by 2050…”
Bristol Airport has also invested in a number of other new technology’s including solar panels, low energy LED lighting, energy efficient baggage handling systems and an electric vehicle fleet to ensure the airport meets its ambitious target.
With an ultimate goal of becoming a net zero airport by 2050, the airport has a considerable amount of milestones to hit in order to reach this landmark status. However, with the ambition, dedication and commitment to using the latest, greenest technology, this is certainly an achievable future target.
Our thanks to Bristol Airport, and Simon Earles, for their assistance in creating this article. If you require any additional information on the ambitious plans for the airport to become a ‘net zero airport’ – please read their fascinating ‘Roadmap to Reduce Carbon Emissions’
Download the Bristol Airport carbon emissions roadmap here
