- February 19, 2025
- Perspectives, Trending Topics
Microgrids: The Future of Resiliency at Airports
Joe Bradshaw, PE
Electrical Engineer
Chris Hanna, PE
Electrical Engineer
John Wujek, PE
Electrical Engineer
Microgrids are localized energy systems that operate independently from a wider electrical grid. Applicable across multiple industries, including at water/wastewater plants and industrial facilities, microgrids are a strong emerging trend in the power delivery space.
As such, many airports are looking to microgrid developments to support sustainable operations. A microgrid would allow airports to be less dependent on local utilities for electricity, and in the face of power blackouts or emergencies, be better equipped to have an instantaneous and dependable power source. With these applications, microgrids are poised to transform how airports power their operations.
With utility regulations for microgrids in each state, implementing or transitioning from a traditional power source to a microgrid requires close coordination with the local utility and a seasoned consultant to help guide the process.
Benefits of Microgrids at Airports
Implementing microgrids at airports comes with an array of potential advantages, namely the ability for an airport to increase its energy resilience and sustainability. Because microgrids are separated from the main electrical grid, they enhance the reliability and stability of a power supply, minimize disruptions during emergencies or grid outages, and help airports maintain smooth operations.
Microgrids are often implemented to achieve carbon neutrality, provide energy resilience, meet renewable energy goals, or increase energy efficiency. The Indianapolis International Airport (IND), for example, was pursuing carbon neutral and energy resilience goals but needed to comply with the local electrical utility’s zero-export policy. This policy required that all renewable energy produced at IND be used by the airport and remain behind the utility meter, meaning no power generated by the facility could be sent back to the electrical utility grid.
To enable the renewable energy-based microgrid, the project team determined that a battery energy storage system (BESS) needed to be incorporated into the concept. At IND, BESS will help support microgrids by ensuring resiliency throughout the day and reducing utility power usage throughout the year. With or without BESS, employing a microgrid is an excellent way for airport owners and operators to enhance energy resilience, sustainability, and efficiency as well as continue to maintain operations for passengers.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
Funding is a key challenge to implementing microgrids at airports due to the substantial upfront costs of designing, installing, and maintaining a microgrid. Required infrastructure—such as power lines, substations, and intelligent control systems—and construction costs can take up a significant portion of a budget, as would the installation of energy sources like solar panels, wind turbines, or batteries. A way to mitigate this deterrent is to procure grant funding to subsidize the costs. Options for grant funding range from federal grants to state grants and utility-funded financial incentives to encourage the installation of microgrids.
If an airport is relying on solar as the primary power source at its microgrid, that also presents a challenge. Since solar only provides power during the day, an airport will need a BESS alongside the microgrid to better match power availability with demand.
Another challenge airports may face in implementing a microgrid is that much of the equipment used, particularly the battery systems, is produced overseas. Consequently, airport owners and microgrid designers may face difficulties sourcing microgrid materials while complying with legislative requirements such as Buy America, Build America, and the Inflation Reduction Act. Many of these legislative requirements are tied to the availability of incentive funding that will be offered to a project and could impact cost effectiveness. However, airports can help address these difficulties by partnering with multiple suppliers, placing orders well in advance, and collaborating with local manufacturers.
A Pathway to Successful Airport Microgrids
With these benefits and potential challenges in mind, airport owners and operators can feel more confident in decision-making around microgrids. But first, it is imperative to define the airport’s goals for implementing a microgrid. Whatever these objectives are, they will guide the initial step of the implementation process: engaging in discussions with the utility company.
Clear communication with local utility stakeholders can clarify whether it is feasible to have a microgrid at the airport, how big the system should be, and how to comply with any regulations. These factors will ultimately determine the funding requirements and the scope of work for the project.
It is also imperative to have the right team in place to ensure successful implementation of the microgrid. This includes hiring a contractor and designers who understand microgrid technology and how to effectively integrate microgrids into the overall power system.
Additionally, having a trusted advisor, such as Kimley-Horn, can provide invaluable guidance throughout the process. With our energy and sustainability services, we can offer expertise and insights to help navigate the complexities of microgrids and help ensure the success of a resilient and sustainable microgrid at your airport.
About the Experts
Joe Bradshaw PE
Joe has 19 years of engineering experience, with his design experience including a wide variety of electrical infrastructure, airfield lighting and NAVAIDS, electrical vehicle charging stations, backup and utility generators, and MEP building upgrades and designs projects. His experience also spans medium voltage distribution, battery energy storage systems, solar PV layout design, utility coordination, telecom design, arc-flash and short circuit coordination studies, and lighting design and photometrics.
Chris Hanna, PE
Chris is an electrical engineer focused on the design of power distribution systems for commercial- scale solar PV, BESS, and EV charging facilities. His technical expertise includes electrical power systems design, lighting design, cellular/telecommunications design, and electrical/communications utility coordination.
John Wujek, PE
John brings 37 years of experience as an electrical engineer and project manager with a demonstrated history of providing engineering services to aviation, water/wastewater, and transportation clients. John’s experience includes the design of airfield lighting systems, NAVAIDs, medium-voltage and low-voltage power distribution, building lighting and systems, site lighting, security systems, and standby power generation systems.