Under the ‘CET - Transport - Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility’ (CET-T-AFIF) call for projects, the European Commission has selected a project aimed at decarbonizing ground operations at Bordeaux Airport. The project will receive a €2 million grant from the Commission, contributing to a total investment of €6.5 million.
Bordeaux Airport is advancing its efforts to decarbonize ground operations by eliminating the CO₂-intensive generators currently used to power parked aircraft. This project will install 400-hertz electrical infrastructure, powered entirely by renewable energy certified by guarantees of origin. It aims to cut CO₂ emissions from aircraft during stopovers, enhance air quality, and reduce noise levels on the runways.
Under its Ressources 27 strategy, Bordeaux Airport is targeting Net Zero carbon emissions for its own operations (scope 1 and 2) by 2029, with offsetting included. From a broader industry perspective (scope 3), we are also committed to collaborating closely with partners to reduce the environmental footprint across the entire air transport chain. By electrifying ground operations, this project is expected to cut Scope 3 emissions by approximately 4,100 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year by 2027.
The electrification of aircraft parking stands at Bordeaux Airport began in 2019 with Hall A. Currently, 9 out of the airport’s 29 stands are equipped with 400-hertz power. Thanks to the agreement with the European Commission, this process will accelerate, targeting the replacement of all 20 remaining stands used for commercial flights by the end of 2026.
Additionally, the airport and the European Commission will co-fund the provision of an electric pre-conditioned air (PCA) system for airlines and their ground handlers. This system will allow pilots to completely switch off auxiliary engines, further reducing CO₂ emissions.
Co-funded by the European Union
Decarbonizing transport, particularly the aviation sector, is a key priority of Europe’s Green Pact, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The ReFuelEU initiative promotes the use of sustainable fuels to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in aviation, while electrifying airport ground services has also become a central focus.
To fund these initiatives, the European Commission has established the European Interconnection Mechanism (EIM), which provides support for alternative fuel infrastructures through the AFIF. Bordeaux Airport's ‘400Hz and PCA’ project, aimed at decarbonizing the airport, is a beneficiary of this financial support. This initiative reflects the commitment of European airports to decarbonization, benefiting citizens across Europe.
“Bordeaux Airport is reinforcing its commitment to more sustainable aviation through this ground operations electrification project, marking a significant step in the decarbonization of our platform. We extend our gratitude to the European Commission for supporting our initiatives to drive ecological transition in the aviation sector, benefiting our passengers, staff, and local communities,” says Simon Dreschel, Chairman of the Management Board of SA Aéroport of Bordeaux-Mérignac
The electrification plan will be implemented in two phases, with the first phase now complete, equipping 5 stands. By the end of the process, aircraft stopovers at Bordeaux will be fully electric by 2026.
