London City Airport Microgrid
A microgrid that combines solar photo voltaic, CHP, and smart automation software will be used to help power London City Airport. UK Power Networks Services and London City Airport are to install renewable and sustainable energy technologies to ensure the long-term resilience and operational excellence of the airport.
London City Airport Development
London City Airport is undergoing a £500 million development programme. Its long-term energy infrastructure partner, UK Power Networks Services, finances, owns, operates and maintains the airport’s existing electricity network. As part of the City Airport Development Programme (CADP), UK Power Networks Services will deliver a microgrid that combines solar photo voltaic, combined heat and power, and smart automation software to double the size of the airport’s electrical distribution infrastructure.
London City Airport Upgrade Doubles Capacity
The upgrade will almost double the airport’s electricity capacity (from 3.6MVA to 7MVA) by installing new electrical substations and solar panels and connecting a combined heat and power unit.
Smart Airport
The electricity network will also be ‘smart’ thanks in part to a new SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system that will remotely control the electricity network. The fully integrated solution will enhance the security and resilience of the network, reduce the cost of infrastructure and improve air quality around the airport – while decarbonising in line with London City Airport’s commitments.
Sustainable Travel
UK Power Networks Services is also supporting the joint development of London City Airport’s wider energy strategy, aligning the benefits of new technologies and innovations to future needs, such as electric vehicle infrastructure. Nearly 70% of passengers use public transport to get to the airport, which is the highest proportion of any UK airport, and it actively encourages people to travel sustainably to and from the site.
Peter Adams, chief development officer of London City Airport, said: “UK Power Networks Services has a long-standing working partnership with London City Airport and the next chapter of this collaboration will embrace the latest low carbon technology to deliver growth more sustainably. Their continued support, well into the future for both the ongoing investment programme and the wider energy strategy, as well as the continued management of the electricity distribution network, will ensure we are best placed to maximise our commitment to sustainability and the environment.”
Helping a Decarbonising Agenda
Ian Smyth, director of UK Power Networks Services, added: “We are excited to deliver this turnkey solution for our valued client. We are designing, building, operating, maintaining and financing this innovative solution. Our ability to bring these technologies together delivers triple bottom line benefits for the airport – lower cost, greater resilience and help towards the UK’s decarbonisation agenda.
Microgrids New Holy Grail
“Microgrids are the holy grail of new sustainable renewable energy networks. Finding ways to make microgrids economically viable and self-funding has challenged global energy markets for decades.
“We’re proud to be a long-term partner with such an ambitious airport as London City that is committed to transforming the passenger experience, bringing innovation and long-term sustainability. We will continue to work together to identify innovative ways of addressing the airport’s energy requirements.”
To speak with Powersystems, please contact us on 01454 318000, or at enquiries@powersystemsuk.com
Powersystems UK Delivering Greener Power Solutions