Story ID: 333
Solar Energy Powers Bombardier’s London Service Center
By: Jessica Reed
Caption: The airport recently upgraded its fleet of customer service vehicles to electric models 
Word Count: 617
Bombardier in July announced the completion of an ambitious solar panel installation project at its London Biggin Hill Service Center. The new photovoltaic system, which includes more than 3,000 solar panels, is expected to generate 1.133 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually. This renewable energy source will meet up to 32% of the service center's energy needs, reducing the facility's carbon emissions by approximately 252 tonnes each year.
Completed in collaboration with Zestec Renewable Energy, a subsidiary of Octopus Energy, the solar panel project underscores Bombardier’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Zestec, which specializes in the development and management of renewable energy assets, played a critical role in the project.
Paul Sislian, Bombardier’s executive v-p of aftermarket service and strategy, emphasized the significance of this milestone. "At Bombardier, we are actively committed to ensuring that we are making aviation more sustainable," he said, adding that this installation aligns with the company's objective of reducing the environmental impact of aircraft manufacturing and service operations.
The solar panel installation complements the ongoing expansion of Bombardier's London Biggin Hill Service Center, which now spans nearly 250,000 sq ft. The facility’s integration of renewable energy represents a growing trend in the industry toward reducing the environmental impact of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities.
In recent years, London Biggin Hill Airport upgraded its fleet of customer service vehicles to electric models and began using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biodiesel to power its ground support equipment. These measures have reduced the airport’s carbon footprint and are part of its broader goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2029.
Airports worldwide are adopting decarbonization roadmaps to reduce emissions and enhance energy efficiency. Some, like Dubai International Airport and Rome-Fiumicino Airport, have also installed extensive solar energy systems to power their operations.
The city of Phoenix Aviation Department has ambitious goals to achieve 100% carbon-free energy by 2030, net-zero carbon by 2040, and zero waste by 2050. The department has implemented a strategic roadmap that includes regular sustainability meetings, data collection, and targeted action items to ensure long-term environmental goals are met.
Miami International Airport recently earned accreditation under Airports Council International's global Airport Carbon Accreditation program. The airport's sustainability initiatives align with Miami-Dade County’s commitment to the United Nations' Race to Zero Program and include measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% before 2030.
Notable projects at the South Florida airfield include a $45 million investment in energy-efficient lighting, water systems, and HVAC upgrades, which are projected to save the airport $3.2 million annually. Further, the Miami-Dade Aviation Department is advancing a $130 million solar panel installation across the airport’s terminal roof, aiming for completion by 2030.
Ontario International Airport in Southern California has also taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint. The airport was recently awarded $2.5 million through the FAA’s Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) program and will use the funds to replace 22 pre-conditioned air units. These systems help reduce emissions by using airport electrical power rather than jet fuel for parked aircraft, contributing to cleaner air and energy efficiency.
Several smaller U.S. airports are embracing sustainability. The Davidson County Executive Airport, Wayne Executive Jetport, and Hickory Regional Airport—all in North Carolina—have secured FAA grants to implement energy-efficient upgrades.
Davidson County Executive Airport is investing $1 million to replace its taxiway lighting system with energy-efficient LED lights, while Wayne Executive Jetport received a $1 million grant to reconstruct its airfield drainage systems, mitigating flood risks during heavy rain. Hickory Regional Airport is enhancing its runway lighting with an FAA grant of $750,000, replacing existing lights with LEDs to improve operational safety and reduce energy consumption.