India’s aviation sector has been experiencing a rapid annual passenger growth rate of 7%, with the number of domestic air travelers projected to rise from 153 million in 2023 to 300 million by 2030. This remarkable increase brings with it the dual challenge of accommodating the surge while ensuring efficient and seamless airport operations. Additionally, the aviation industry faces the significant task of addressing climate change impacts, further complicated by the vulnerability of airports to power outages, which can cause delays and passenger dissatisfaction.
In response to these challenges, airports globally are turning to microgrid technology as a strategic solution to ensure continuous, localized, and self-reliant power supply. As the world moves towards carbon neutrality, with many airports aiming for zero-carbon goals by 2024 and net-zero emissions by 2030, India can greatly accelerate its path to a decarbonized future through green airport project initiatives. Microgrids offer a robust solution for making the aviation industry more resilient and sustainable. These advanced systems transform airports into green energy hubs, leading to an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient future.
Essentially, microgrids are embedded electrical systems that supply a portion of power to their surroundings, capable of functioning independently or in conjunction with the main grid. This dual functionality ensures a stable energy supply even during grid failures or extreme weather conditions. Furthermore, by integrating renewable energy sources like wind and solar, microgrids significantly reduce carbon footprints and lower utility costs.
The flexibility of microgrid configurations allows airports to leverage local resources effectively, particularly in sun-rich regions like India. By utilizing solar power, microgrids provide resilient infrastructure solutions tailored to the specific needs of each site. This approach supports sustainable energy generation and storage options in line with regional emissions reduction policies.
To overcome the limitations of conventional grids, airports are adopting digital innovations in energy management, with microgrids becoming mainstream. Through digitalization and smart technologies, microgrids enable effective control of energy resources, reducing consumption and waste. This technological advancement ensures that airports can maintain continuous operations and provide critical backup power during emergencies, a crucial benefit given the increasing severity of climatic conditions.
As airports integrate Industry 4.0 technologies, microgrids play a pivotal role in achieving transformative efficiency and sustainability. For instance, John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport in New York has implemented microgrid solutions, reducing energy usage by up to 30% and moving towards carbon neutrality by 2050. The upcoming New Terminal One (NTO) at JFK will feature an integrated on-site energy system, making it the first fully resilient airport transit hub in the region capable of off-grid operation. This system will produce lower carbon intensity and more efficient, locally-generated energy, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In India, similar systems can be replicated across new and existing airports, including major hubs like Delhi and Mumbai, which require continuous infrastructure upgrades for sustainable aviation operations. Microgrids, therefore, have the potential to be the cornerstone of airports’ sustainable transformation, offering resilience against power disruptions and paving the way for a greener, more sustainable aviation sector.
