Electric GSE adoption is outpacing airport infrastructure, report finds

Airports worldwide are adopting electric ground support equipment (eGSE), but power constraints, charging infrastructure gaps and planning challenges are affecting their ability to expand those fleets, according to a new report from Enatel.

The electrification solutions provider’s report, The Global State of Airside Electrification: From Commitment to Operational Reality, draws on industry data, case studies and interviews to examine how challenges vary by airport size.

Major hubs face constraints around power availability, while regional operations contend with knowledge and planning gaps as they work toward sustainability goals.

A survey by Ground Support Worldwide found that nearly 65 per cent of airports intend to invest in eGSE fleets over the next five years to meet sustainability targets, improve operational efficiency and comply with new regulations. 

However, more than 70 per cent of respondents indicated their current charging infrastructure is lacking.

"The question for most airports is no longer whether to electrify, it's how to plan and grow new electric GSE fleets effectively," said Mike Clifford, general manager of Enatel. 

"This report explores how GSE operators should prioritize infrastructure strategies and long-term implementation planning."

Planning for fleet growth

The report identifies several opportunities and challenges for airports expanding their electric ground support equipment fleets:

• Battery energy storage systems and other approaches to power limitations can reduce peak demand and lower total system costs by up to $10 million for large U.S. airports.
• Operators that adopt battery charging partners early and develop long-term strategies are better positioned to expand electrification without disrupting day-to-day operations.
• Charging equipment reliability and durability are essential, particularly in demanding airport environments.

The report also includes insights from airport operators and charging specialists. 

Contributors include Tony Smith of Bahrain Airport Services, who discusses a charging case study, along with experts from Deerns, FastCharge, Enatel and IDEAL Industries. 

"This report provides airport operators with the strategies they need to move from electrification commitment to scalable execution," said Rachel Whitehead, director of marketing and product at Enatel. 

"Infrastructure decisions made today will support long-term electrification success."

The full report is available here.

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