Bordeaux Airport announces the commissioning of new ground power infrastructure to reduce emissions from aircraft at stands.
Thanks to substantial investment and financial support from the European Union, the airport is now equipped to supply electricity to aircraft while on the ground, thereby enabling a significant reduction in direct emissions associated with airline operations.
To mark this milestone, Carlo Coppola, representing the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), which co-financed the project, joined members of the airport's Economic Development Committee.
A major contribution to reducing indirect emissions (Scope 3)
Reducing an airport's carbon footprint depends to a large extent on its ability to address Scope 3 emissions, namely those generated by its partners and customers. By providing electrical power at aircraft stands, Bordeaux Airport enables airlines to switch off their aircraft's auxiliary power units (APUs) while on the ground.
The project puts into practice Bordeaux Airport's commitment to decarbonising all aircraft ground operations, a central objective of its Ressources 27 strategy, financed by a consortium of regional banks. This initiative is a natural extension of that commitment.
Replacing fossil fuels with electricity sourced entirely from renewables will directly help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector, avoiding approximately 4,100 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year from 2027 onwards.
A concrete response to European regulatory requirements
Bordeaux Airport's decarbonisation project is fully in line with the European Green Deal and meets the requirements of the EU's Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), which will require aircraft stands to be equipped with electrical power supplies. By anticipating these requirements, the airport demonstrates its ability to modernise its infrastructure to address climate and regulatory challenges, particularly those arising from the Fit for 55 legislative package.
The completed project includes:
“This project reflects our determination to transform our operations in response to climate challenges. By equipping the airport with state-of-the-art infrastructure, we are preparing for the future of air transport while meeting environmental requirements,” said Simon Dreschel, Chairman of the Executive Board of Bordeaux Airport.
A project supported by the European Union
This major project, with a total cost of approximately €6.5 million, has received financial support from the European Union through the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF). This co-financing highlights Bordeaux Airport's importance within Europe's network of sustainable transport infrastructure
“Airports play an important role in decarbonising air transport. By electrifying ground services at aircraft stands, Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport is taking concrete steps to reduce its carbon footprint. With financial support from the European Union, this project, which delivers clear environmental benefits, makes a significant contribution to Europe's goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050,” said Richard Ferrer, Head of the Alternative Fuels Sector at the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).
Banque des Territoires has also contributed to financing the project through a €2.2 million mezzanine loan, supporting Bordeaux Airport in its decarbonisation strategy.
