Newcastle Airport Strives for 100% Renewable Energy Through PPA with Flow Power

Newcastle Airport to employ sources of renewable energy

Newcastle Airport, which is located in New South Wales, has set its sights on achieving sustainability. Towards this goal, it has entered into an agreement for 100% renewable energy with energy retailer Flow Power.

“Newcastle Airport is expanding to deliver growth to the Hunter region, and sustainability is key to everything we do,” maintained Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock while adding, “We’re delighted to partner with Flow Power. By offsetting grid consumption with green generation certificates, they’ll help us significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and help us achieve our 100% renewable energy strategy well ahead of our 2030 target.”

This announcement is rather significant for the airport, given that it is among Australia’s busiest regional airports. It sees 1.2 million passengers every year. The airport has now announced its goal to have power from sources of renewable energy, which include wind, solar PV systems, as well as hydropower.

The agreement with Australia-based energy retailer Flow Power will make it possible for the airport to acquire sources of renewable energy at a fixed price.

Shane de Wit, Executive General Manager of Aviation, opined that the partnership of Newcastle Airport with Flow Power would make pave the way for the airport to become a leader in making the transition to a low-carbon economy. He further stated, “In 2021, 99 kWh solar was installed at the airport producing 3.9% of electricity and reducing our carbon footprint by more than 75 tonnes…Our expanded terminal is being designed with a 5-Star Green Star rating, and our new Covered Car Park will feature 1,212 solar panels, powering more than 30% of the airport. Sustainability is also being incorporated into Astra Aerolab’s built environment – our first commercial office building has been designed with a successful 5-star Green Building rating assessment from Green Building Council Australia.”

The renewable energy portfolio of Flow Power’s includes wind, solar and storage. Some of the firms that it is known to provide energy to include The Sydney Opera House, Snack Brands, Westpac, The City of Sydney and others.

It is noteworthy that airports around the world are accelerating efforts to be 100% powered by sources of renewable energy.  In July 2022, 14 airports out of 125 airports, falling under the Airport Authority of India, have achieved decarbonisation with 100% renewable energy. Running on renewable energy to meet the operational requirements, the list of carbon free airports includes Tezu airport, Kangra airport, Kullu airport, Shimla airport, Jammu airport, Srinagar airport, Leh airport, and Imphal airport, Dimapur airport, Puducherry airport, Pakyong airport, Kanpur airport, Dehradun airport and Patna airport.

More recently, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport became among India’s 100% green airport. Out of the total 100% needs, the CSMIA obtains approximately 5% of the airport’s electricity needs by onsite solar generating and the remaining 95% from other environmentally friendly sources including hydro and wind energy.

Other green airports around the world include Boston Logan International Airport, US, which also boasts of Clean Vehicle Preferred Parking program for people who drive electric vehicles. East Midlands Airport in England also makes use wind turbines to generate electricity. Recently, Japan’s Narita Airport also announced the set up of a 180 MW solar plant.