Van Nuys Airport in the US is gearing up to utilise green energy after one of its business tenants Aeroplex/Aerolease Group unveiled a solar rooftop and canopy system at the airport.
The airport, which is operated by Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA), also announced plans for a further six solar power projects.
Once all seven solar power projects become operational, VNY is said to become one of California’s leading general aviation airports for solar energy production.
Aeroplex/Aerolease Group’s solar power project will produce nearly 1.5 MW of electricity to offset about four million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions into the environment per annum.
LAWA CEO Deborah Flint said: “At Los Angeles World Airports, we are harnessing the power of the sun to deliver gold standard airports that lead in environmental sustainability.
“We are grateful to our tenants at Van Nuys Airport, who are innovating and partnering on this solar initiative, which is both good for the environment and good for business.”
The other six solar power plants include 1.8 MW Castle & Cooke, 1.8 MW Clay Lacy Aviation, 3.3 MW The Park VNY, 1.5 MW Western Jet Aviation, and 3.8 MW Woodley.
When energised, all of the systems collectively will produce almost 44.6 million kilowatt-hours annually and will cut more than 73.3 million pounds of CO2 emissions a year.
These new clean energy initiatives are a result of a successful partnership between VNY business tenants and PCS Energy, the solar provider that will install the panels for all of the projects.
PCS Energy has signed power purchase agreements, which stipulates that the company will provide the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power with 100% of the energy produced for the next 20 years.
