Fraport, the operator of Frankfurt Airport (FRA), is taking significant steps towards modernizing its ground power supply system.
Fraport’s Climate Protection Strategy
In line with the company’s climate protection strategy, Fraport aims to eliminate all diesel-powered units supplying electricity to parked aircraft by 2040. This initiative underscores Fraport’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices within the aviation industry.
Transition to Electric Ground Power Units (GPUs)
As part of the modernization efforts, Fraport is prioritizing the installation of ground power connections at more aircraft parking positions. These connections will facilitate the use of electric ground power units (e-GPUs) instead of traditional diesel-powered units. By transitioning to e-GPUs, Fraport aims to minimize emissions and enhance the environmental sustainability of its operations.
Mobile Ground Power Units Go Electric
One significant aspect of Fraport’s modernization plan is the transition of mobile ground power units to electric power exclusively. This strategic shift reflects Fraport’s commitment to embracing clean energy solutions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels in ground operations. The move towards electric mobile GPUs aligns with broader efforts within the aviation industry to adopt eco-friendly technologies and mitigate environmental impact.
Government Support for Modernization
Fraport’s ambitious modernization initiative receives backing from the German federal government through the ground power directive funding program. With a grant of €215,000, provided by the German Ministry for Digital and Transport, Fraport is empowered to accelerate the implementation of its climate initiative. This financial support enables Fraport to invest in the necessary infrastructure and equipment required for the transition to electric ground power units.
Christoph Schiller from Fraport AG’s asset management team for central infrastructure explains: “The first aim is to connect those parking positions that do not yet have a stationary ground power connection to the electric grid. But to achieve this, major excavation works are necessary. These need to take place during ongoing operations. We are therefore proceeding on the basis that we will be able to upgrade around 12 positions by 2026.” Around 67 percent of the positions are currently connected. However, it will not be possible to install fixed 400 Hz ground power units at some positions, as the locations would require the installation of an above-ground transformer. “These sites include our ’roll-through’ aircraft positions, in which the aircraft, instead of being pushed back, uses its own power and leaves the position by rolling forward. We can’t have any obstacles in the way in these cases,” specifies Christoph Schiller. “Going forward, we will need mobile e-GPUs at these positions. With every diesel unit that we remove from the apron, we can save up to 30,000 liters of diesel annually and significantly reduce our CO2 emissions.” Fraport currently has eight e-GPUs and around 61 diesel-powered units in use.
Initial Implementation at Terminal Section C
To kickstart the modernization process, Fraport will utilize the allocated funding to equip a building position in terminal section C with battery-powered e-GPUs. Structural constraints at this aircraft position necessitate the procurement of specialized e-GPUs that include charging infrastructure. The total investment for this initial phase amounts to €307,000, demonstrating Fraport’s dedication to sustainable infrastructure development.
The Ground Power Directive
The ground power directive represents a funding initiative spearheaded by the German Ministry for Digital and Transport. Its primary objective is to support the adoption of alternative technologies that facilitate the climate- and environmentally-friendly supply of ground power to aircraft at airports. Under the coordination of NOW GmbH, applications for funding are processed and approved by Germany’s Federal Agency for Administrative Services (BAV), ensuring the effective implementation of sustainable practices within the aviation industry.
Climate Protection: A Key Component of Fraport’s Sustainability Strategy
Fraport is committed to operating on a carbon-free basis by no later than 2045 across its home-base in Frankfurt and all of its Group airports worldwide. As part of this ambitious target, Fraport aims to reduce emissions at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to 50,000 tonnes annually by 2030. These climate objectives are integral to Fraport’s overarching sustainability strategy, which emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship and future viability. Through initiatives such as the comprehensive overhaul of the ground power supply, Fraport is actively contributing to the realization of its climate-friendly future, aligning its operations with sustainable principles for the benefit of present and future generations.
In conclusion, Fraport’s commitment to modernizing the ground power supply at Frankfurt Airport reflects its proactive approach towards environmental sustainability and carbon reduction. By embracing electric ground power units and leveraging government support, Fraport sets a compelling example for the aviation industry, paving the way for a greener future in air travel.
