The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey along with the New Terminal One consortium announced during Climate Week NYC that construction has commenced on a massive solar array at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The array consisting of over 13,000 solar panels will cover an area equivalent to six and a half football fields. Once complete, it will be the largest solar installation in New York City and the largest at any airport terminal in the United States.
New Terminal One: Key to JFK’s $19 Billion Transformation
As a fully international terminal, the New Terminal One plays a vital role in the Port Authority's $19 billion plan to transform JFK into a world-class global gateway. The redevelopment will feature two new terminals with striking public art and locally inspired retail, two expanded and modernized terminals, and a brand-new, efficient roadway system upon completion.
The 6.63-megawatt solar array on the terminal's roof is part of a 12-megawatt microgrid designed to distribute electricity from solar panels, fuel cells and batteries through a localized, self-contained energy system that can operate independently or in connection with the main power grid.
Solar array on the terminals roof (Image: Collected)
The microgrid will also feature 3.84 megawatts of fuel cells and 1.5 megawatts/3.34 megawatt-hours of battery storage. These components will be arranged in four clusters of electrical generation infrastructure throughout the new terminal, creating a smart and resilient energy system that powers daily operations.
"When the new terminal is complete, it will be the largest terminal at Kennedy Airport, so we are particularly pleased to incorporate on-site power using a green energy source into the design of the terminal. We have made sustainability a major priority at our facilities, and this massive solar array is a unique and innovative solution that reduces our carbon footprint and continues our march towards net zero." said Rick Cotton, Port Authority Executive Director.
"This construction milestone in our redevelopment of John F. Kennedy International Airport represents more than progress at one of our facilities because its success will set an industry example for others. On-site green energy development such as the country's largest airport solar array will reduce the generation of greenhouse gases that cause climate change at the New Terminal One." said Kevin O'Toole, Port Authority Chairman.
AlphaStruxure’s Microgrid to Power Half of JFK’s New Terminal
The microgrid will capture heat from the fuel cells to produce chilled and hot water for the terminal. Its capacity can generate enough electricity to power half of the terminal's daily operations, equivalent to the energy needs of over 3,500 average U.S. homes.
AlphaStruxure is financing the project through an Energy as a Service (EaaS) contract, a long-term agreement that ensures stable operating costs and guaranteed performance without requiring upfront capital from the Port Authority or New Terminal One. AlphaStruxure will handle the construction, operation and maintenance of the microgrid throughout the contract's duration.
"When it comes to energy, airports are facing a perfect storm: More passengers, more electrification, more outages, and more power capacity bumping up against aging energy infrastructure that's less and less able to keep up. JFK's New Terminal One is building sustainable energy infrastructure at the speed and scale necessary to stay ahead of these challenges. We're thrilled to provide an integrated microgrid solution via Energy as a Service that not only provides resilience for New Terminal One passengers but advances the city, state and Port Authority's ambitious decarbonization goals." said Juan Macias, CEO of AlphaStruxure.
Port Authority Boosts Sustainability with Solar Projects at JFK and Newark
The clean technology supports the Port Authority's ambitious sustainability goals including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and requiring greener practices from its business partners, such as airport terminal operators and airlines.
In collaboration with the New York Power Authority, the Port Authority is also building a 12-megawatt solar canopy at JFK's long-term parking lot 9, which will feature 7.5 megawatts of battery storage for peak airport energy use, a 6-megawatt community solar facility and covered parking for 3,000 vehicles.
Additional solar projects include a 5-megawatt solar canopy at Newark Liberty International Airport, a 1.5-megawatt rooftop array on LaGuardia’s Terminal B garage, and a 600-kilowatt solar roof on a PATH warehouse.
The New Terminal One microgrid is designed for exceptional resilience through its innovative clustered architecture, featuring four independent "power islands." Each power island operates as a self-sufficient energy system with its generation, storage and advanced automation controls. If one island goes offline for maintenance, the other three can continue functioning. This microgrid, capable of supplying half of the terminal's electrical needs, reduces the risk of regional grid blackouts affecting airport operations, minimizing potential delays for passengers.