As part of VINCI Airports’ environmental strategy, Nantes Atlantique Airport is working to reduce its carbon footprint by launching a major electrification project for its ground operations.
This 15 million euros project, financed 70% by Aéroports du Grand Ouest, has been made possible with support from the European Union, which is funding 30%, and backing from the Banque des Territoires.
In practice, this electrification project will provide power to 12 aircraft stands on the tarmac, eliminating the need for aircraft to use their auxiliary power units or thermal equipment, thereby reducing fossil fuel use.
It will contribute to reducing 2,400 tonnes of CO2e annually.
An additional 100 EV charging points will be installed airside to power airport vehicles, passenger transport buses, ground support equipment (such as baggage tractors), and refuelling vehicles.
These charging stations will be operational by the end of 2025.
This project directly supports the implementation of the European regulation on the deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure (AFIR), which mandates that airports provide electricity to aircraft at all contact stands (gates) by 2025 and all remote stands by 2030.
“By electrifying aircraft parking stands and installing charging stations for ground equipment, we are helping to reduce indirect emissions, which is part of our strategy to minimise the environmental impact of our airport operations,” explains Xavier Lortat-Jacob, President of Aéroports du Grand Ouest and General Manager of Nantes Atlantique Airport.
He adds: “This commitment, driven by VINCI Airports since 2016, aims to reduce not only the CO2 emissions directly related to airport activities but also indirect emissions, mainly associated with aeronautical operations.”
