During Climate Week NYC, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the New Terminal One consortium announced a landmark project: construction has begun on a massive solar array at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Featuring over 13,000 solar panels, the array will cover an area equivalent to six and a half football fields. Once complete, this will be the largest solar installation in New York City and the biggest airport solar project at any 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, upon completion, a brand-new, efficient roadway system.
The 6.63-megawatt solar array on the terminal’s roof is a key component of a larger 12-megawatt microgrid. This advanced system will distribute electricity through a localized, self-contained network that can operate independently or with the main power grid.
The microgrid integrates several power sources, including the solar panels, 3.84 megawatts of fuel cells, and 1.5 megawatts/3.34 megawatt-hours of battery storage. This combination of airport batteries for solar and other green sources creates a smart, resilient energy system to power daily operations. Organized into four clusters of electrical generation infrastructure across the new terminal, these components are designed for maximum efficiency.
“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. It is designed to generate enough electricity to power half of the terminal’s daily operations, which is 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 at no upfront capital cost to the Port Authority or New Terminal One. AlphaStruxure will handle the microgrid’s construction, operation, and maintenance for the duration of the contract.
“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
This 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. This project 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, featuring an innovative clustered architecture with four independent “power islands.” Each power island operates as a self-sufficient energy system with its own generation, storage, and advanced automation controls. If one island goes offline for maintenance, the other three can continue to function. By supplying half of the terminal’s electrical needs, this microgrid reduces the risk of regional grid blackouts affecting airport operations and minimizes potential passenger delays.