Airfield electrification at MIA set to avoid 1,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year

Malta International Airport is implementing a €12.5 million Airfield Electrification Programme, which is set to avoid the emission of an average of 1,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

The airport said in a statement that the project is expected to be completed by 2028, ahead of the target date stipulated by the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) for airports forming part of the Trans-European Network to supply grid electricity to remote aircraft parking stands.

 “This investment forms part of a broader roadmap through which we will continue to deploy low-emission technologies and expand the use of solar power. By embarking on our most ambitious project yet, we are reaffirming our commitment to address Scope 3 emissions, while contributing to Malta’s climate targets and the wider European airport industry’s journey towards decarbonisation,” Justine Baldacchino, Head of Sustainability and Analytics at Malta International Airport, said.

The project will introduce 35 hatch-pit systems, supplying parked aircraft with a direct provision of electricity during ground operations. This will eliminate the use of diesel-powered Ground Power Units (GPUs), reducing carbon dioxide emissions significantly.

Aprons where hatch-pit installation is not technically feasible will be served by mobile battery GPUs together with the necessary charging infrastructure comprising 20 charging points. Additionally, the investment will provide for the installation of 15 electric bus charging points, supporting ground handlers in making the transition to cleaner vehicles.

At the heart of the programme is a major upgrade to the airport’s electrical infrastructure, including the introduction of five medium-voltage substations, two generators, and an electrical network with peak installed capacity of 7.5 MVA. Integration with the national grid, with the support of the island’s electricity services provider, will ensure stability and reliability.

This project is co-financed by the European Union with a grant of €5.4 million received through the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF). AFIF is a funding instrument under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) that supports the decarbonisation of Europe’s transport sector and contributes towards the European Union’s objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.