Tuesday, September 24, 2024 In alignment with Climate Week NYC, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, along with the New Terminal One consortium, has officially started constructing the largest solar array in New York City at JFK International Airport. The new 12-megawatt energy system, composed of over 13,000 solar panels, will cover an area equivalent to six and a half football fields, making it the largest solar array at any U.S.
airport terminal. This innovative energy infrastructure is designed to power JFK’s New Terminal One sustainably, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping the Port Authority achieve its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The solar array is a significant part of the Port Authority’s $19 billion transformation of JFK into a world-class global hub.
The array will be installed atop the terminal’s roof and be integrated into a 12-megawatt microgrid that will also use fuel cells and battery storage to power the terminal’s daily operations. AlphaStruxure, an industry leader, will design, build, and operate the microgrid, helping JFK Terminal One set a new sustainability standard for airports worldwide. The solar array will generate 6.
63 megawatts of energy, enough to power approximately half of the terminal’s everyday operations. Combined with additional fuel cells and battery storage systems, the microgrid can run independently or connect to the main power grid, ensuring resilience and sustainability. This pioneering project reflects JFK’s commitment to green energy and the Port Authority’s long-term sustainability plans.
Rick Cotton, Executive Director of the Port Authority, stated, “Incorporating on-site power using green energy into the new terminal design reduces our carbon footprint and takes us another step closer to our goal of net zero emissions.” AlphaStruxure CEO Juan Macias added, “As air travel grows and energy demands increase, sustainable energy infrastructure like JFK’s microgrid is essential for reducing the strain on outdated energy systems.” The solar array is just one part of the extensive $19 billion redevelopment plan at JFK, which aims to modernize and expand the airport’s facilities, including two new international terminals.
Terminal One will be the largest and most technologically advanced, featuring 2.6 million square feet of space, public art, retail options, and cutting-edge technology. Key Highlights of the JFK Redevelopment: Other ongoing projects at JFK include the $1.
5 billion expansion of Terminal 4, the modernization of Terminal 8 by American Airlines and British Airways, and the construction of a new Terminal 6..
