While airports around the world are stepping up their adoption of electric ground support equipment (eGSE), infrastructure challenges, such as a lack of charging networks, create potential obstacles, a new report from Enatel has suggested.
According to the report, The Global State of Airside Electrification: From Commitment to Operational Reality, the electrification of ground support equipment is ‘accelerating globally’, however power availability, lack of knowledge, and planning and operational requirements remain hurdles to the energy transition.
A recent survey by Ground Support Worldwide found that around two thirds (close to 65%) of airports intend to invest in eGSE fleets over the next five years. In addition, more than 70% of respondents said their existing charging infrastructure was insufficient.
‘Prioritise infrastructure strategies’
“The question for most airports is no longer whether to electrify, it’s how to plan and grow new electric GSE fleets effectively,” commented Mike Clifford, general manager of Enatel. “This report explores how GSE operators should prioritise infrastructure strategies and long-term implementation planning.”
The report proposes a number of options for airports seeking to address these infrastructure challenges, including the rollout of battery energy storage systems (BESS). As it notes, such systems could reduce peak demand and lower total system costs by up to $10 million at large US airports.
Reliability and durability
In addition, the report recommends that operators engage with airport GSE battery charger providers at an early stage, to ensure better scaling of electrification without impacting day-to-day operations. It also recommends prioritising reliability and durability when it comes to investment in charging infrastructure, given the ‘demanding’ nature of airport environments.
“This report provides airport operators with the strategies they need to move from electrification commitment to scalable execution,” added Rachel Whitehead, director of marketing and product at Enatel. “Infrastructure decisions made today will support long-term electrification success.”
Enatel, which is headquartered in New Zealand, supplies battery charging technology for industrial vehicles, and has deployed more than 200,000 chargers globally. Read more here.
