Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP) in Minnesota, USA, has completed the construction of a 3MW solar installation on the top deck of two Terminal 1-Lindbergh parking structures.
To further improve its carbon footprint, MSP converted more than 7,700 light fixtures in all four parking ramps to energy-saving LED technology. It also added four electric vehicle charging stations, bringing the total number at the airport to 18. It is estimated that the new installation will generate close to 20% of the airport’s total peak power capacity.
Jeff Hamiel, executive director and CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, the airport operator, said, “The commission has worked for decades to operate MSP as sustainably as possible, investing millions in infrastructure to reduce impacts to soil, water and air quality, and spending nearly a half-billion dollars on noise mitigation around the airport. This solar project is a major step forward in use of renewable energy at MSP.”
Renewable and efficient energy firm Ameresco developed the solar infrastructure and LED lighting upgrade, and will also maintain and operate the system on behalf of the Metropolitan Airports Commission. It is hoped that the project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6,813 metric tons annually, the equivalent of taking 1,434 passengers off the road in one year.
George P Sakellaris, president and CEO of Ameresco, said, “Together we celebrate a major step forward in renewable innovation in the state of Minnesota – today the largest solar site in the state to date is now operational. Ameresco commends MSP and applauds its leadership team for its stewardship both in pursuing renewable energy solutions for the airport as well as obtaining public-private financing to support the construction. Ameresco is honored to be a sustainability partner in this innovative project, and we take pride in contributing to local job creation as part of achieving energy savings and sustainability.”
