Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport's (WSI) inaugural Sustainability Strategy, published this week, demonstrates how Australia's first greenfield international airport in more than 50 years has embedded sustainability into its design, significantly reducing its carbon footprint, while charting a path for a net zero airport future.
Sydney's new 24-hour global gateway has secured two key partnerships that are pivotal to realising this vision, with CleanPeak Energy set to support the delivery of 100% renewable electricity for the airport precinct, while Freightquip will supply and operate an almost entirely electrified GSE (Ground Support Equipment) fleet covering the full scope of airport operations.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said embedding sustainability into the airport's design and construction had set it up for success and helped ensure WSI will soon be powered by 100% renewable electricity – when passenger operations start – with the CleanPeak Energy collaboration integral to achieving this.
"We are delighted to be working with Australian-owned business CleanPeak to support WSI's net zero ambitions," he said.
"The energy system they will manage represents a landmark commitment to achieving net zero scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions for WSI, showcasing the low carbon future airports can champion as pivotal pieces of major infrastructure."
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said Western Sydney's new airport was designed with sustainability and future proofing in mind, inside and out.
"As you step into the beautiful, air-conditioned terminal, watch your bags roll away at check-in, and scan into your first flight at Western Sydney International Airport, each of those steps will be powered by 100% renewable electricity.
"We didn't want to limit sustainability to the terminal, that's why we've ensured this new airport is Sustainable Aviation Fuel ready, with facilities in place so jets can be refueled with locally produced biofuels."
The comprehensive energy system partnership with CleanPeak Energy will incorporate:
- Management and operation of WSI's existing rooftop solar (that has capacity to produce 4.5MW (megawatts) of electricity, capable of powering c.40% of the terminal)
- Installation and management of an additional 9MW rooftop solar energy system that will gradually be built at WSI's Cargo Precinct
- Installation and management of a 120MWh (megawatt hours) Battery Energy Storage System – planned for delivery in late 2027 – to provide stability, resilience, and support peak energy demand
- Management of the renewable electricity WSI purchases from the grid, and
- Management of the embedded network enabling the efficient distribution and optimisation of energy across WSI for airport operations and various precinct tenants
CleanPeak Energy CEO Philip Graham said the partnership with WSI demonstrates how critical infrastructure can transition to renewables without compromising reliability or performance.
"This project is about unlocking what's possible when large-scale energy infrastructure is designed, financed and operated as an integrated energy system to power critical assets like airports without compromising performance," Mr Graham said.
"CleanPeak is enabling the airport to run on 100% renewable electricity by investing at the site to optimise local energy infrastructure as well as developing additional solar farms to deliver the scale of electricity required to ensure the airport runs 24/7 with renewable electricity."
Mr Hickey said when passenger services commence, WSI will become the first major Australian airport to operate an airport-wide GSE pooling program thanks to its collaboration with Freightquip, which will incorporate the highest proportion of electric GSE of any major Australian airport.
"We've already installed 34 electric chargers supporting sustainable ground operations," he said. "By combining GSE pooling with a predominantly electric fleet, WSI is modernising ground operations, improving fleet utilisation, safety and ultimately reducing the environmental impact of our operations."
The partnership with Freightquip will deliver:
- The full scope of GSE equipment for aircraft turnaround operations, including but not limited to belt loaders, cargo loaders, baggage tractors, and pushback equipment with a shared fleet model for all ground handlers, improving coordination, utilisation and sustainability outcomes
- An integrated single digital platform that provides real-time visibility, automated allocation and connection with WSI's Flight Information System, and
- Dedicated on-site maintenance through Freightquip's specialist team
Freightquip COO and Head of Aviation Operations Andrew Steel said Freightquip has deployed and maintained electric GSE fleets across some of the world's leading airports and airlines and is excited to bring that experience to WSI.
"WSI presents a real opportunity to help set a new standard for how airports approach ground operations. To provide an advanced GSE pooling operation at a brand-new airport is something our team is incredibly proud to be part of," he said.
"We see WSI as the beginning of a much bigger shift in how the industry approaches ground operations globally."
WSI's Sustainability Strategy outlines how the airport is embracing technology, collaborating with partners, nurturing local talent, and championing green solutions to help ensure that WSI stands as a leader in the sector. Read more about the Sustainability Strategy here.