Trieste Airport has launched an ambitious decarbonisation project, with the aim of achieving zero CO2 emissions by 2027. This plan includes the installation of the largest photovoltaic system ever built in an Italian airport and the adoption of a fleet of electric operating vehicles. This effort not only positions the airport as a national leader in renewable energy, but also represents an important step towards environmental sustainability.
The new photovoltaic system
The first significant step towards decarbonisation of Trieste Airport was the completion of a new 3,143 kW photovoltaic system, operational since the end of March. This system is integrated with 600 kW batteries for the accumulation and reuse of the renewable energy produced. The solar energy generated not only powers the airport, but the eventual excess energy is sold to the network, further supporting the Noemix project of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region, which involves the conversion of public service cars into electric vehicles.
Fleet of electric vehicles
In parallel with the installation of the new photovoltaic system, Trieste Airport has updated its fleet of operational vehicles with 29 new electric vehicles. These vehicles, used for loading and unloading goods, embarking and disembarking passengers, and other handling services, represent another crucial step towards eliminating CO2 emissions. The adoption of these vehicles was possible thanks to a loan of over 2.7 million euros from ENAC, integrated with self-financing from the airport.
Investments in reducing energy dispersion
In addition to the photovoltaic system and the new electric fleet, the decarbonization plan includes significant investments to improve the airport’s energy efficiency. In the Four-Year Intervention Plan 2024-2027, approved by ENAC, interventions are foreseen to reduce the energy dispersion of the airport and the installation of new Air Handling Units and heat pumps. These investments aim to significantly reduce energy consumption, further contributing to the objective zero emissions.
Synergy with the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region
The Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region has played a fundamental role in supporting these projects. With co-financing of 3.5 million euros for the construction of the photovoltaic system, the region has demonstrated a concrete commitment to energy transition. Furthermore, the agreement between the Region and Trieste Airport guarantees that the renewable energy produced in excess will be fed into the grid, supporting the Noemix project and promoting the use of renewable energies throughout the region.
Impacts and benefits for the community
Adopting these measures will not only reduce the airport’s environmental impact, but will also have significant benefits for the local community. The photovoltaic system already covers 75% of the airport’s energy needs, and the electric vehicle charging stations that will be installed will contribute to more sustainable mobility in the region. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to make Friuli-Venezia Giulia a model environmental sustainability.
A vision for the future
The President of ENAC, Pierluigi Di Palma, and the President of the Region, Massimiliano Fedriga, underlined the importance of this project not only for the airport, but for the entire Italian air transport sector. The commitment to sustainability and technological innovation places Trieste Airport at the forefront, representing a model of how transport infrastructures can reconcile with the environment.
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