A new report from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has identified 15 initiatives it says could help to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions by Australian airports.
Chief Executive of CEFC, Ian Learmonth said the initiatives in the Clean energy and infrastructure – the pathway to airport sustainability report used proven technologies and could help airports to reduce their carbon footprint.
“Airports are complex infrastructure assets, with the implementation of new emissions-reducing initiatives typically requiring endorsement from multiple stakeholders,” Mr Learmonth said.
“A lack of information or awareness of clean energy opportunities can be a major barrier to the required investment,” he said.
“This new Report helps bridge this gap, providing practical information for asset owners, operators and investors.”
He said the Report brought together technical and financial insights to support the owners and operators of major assets to accelerate their transition to lower emissions.
“The smooth operation of Australia’s major infrastructure assets is vital to our nation’s economic wellbeing, as well as our ability to achieve significant reductions in our greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Learmonth said.
“As a specialist investor in clean energy opportunities, we have a particular focus on working with infrastructure asset investors, owners and operators to help them deliver a more sustainable low emissions operating profile for these long-lived assets.”
He said a common theme of the initiatives outlined in the Report was energy efficiency.
“Initiatives such as energy efficient baggage handling systems could reduce carbon emissions by up to 75 per cent compared with business as usual (BAU),” Mr Learmonth said.
“Energy efficient airport lighting upgrades and the use of ground source heat pumps could cut emissions by as much as 50 per cent compared with BAU.”
He said the total capital expenditure for the majority of the initiatives in the Report was less than 0.5 per cent of the total airport asset value.
The 50-page Report is available at this PS News link.
