LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is now using "geothermal technology" to reduce carbon emissions and save money long-term.
This innovative technology reduces the airport's reliance on fossil fuels and significantly decreases greenhouse-gas emissions, according to a Louisville Airport news release.
The Louisville Airport now has the largest geothermal system at any airport in the Unites States.
“This milestone is one I’m pleased to share with you today as it’s been more than two years in the making following our groundbreaking,” Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, said. “Beyond the overall innovation of this project, it further confirms our commitment to providing best-in-class facilities for our passengers, while also being an industry leader in reducing carbon emissions and saving energy. This is a win-win any way you look at it.”
When fully completed, the project is expected to save $400,000 annually in utility costs and reduce greenhouse-gas (carbon) emissions by 80%.
The use of geothermal technology is cost-effective over the long-term since geothermal systems require less maintenance and last longer than traditional HVAC systems.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded $10.6 million to SDF as part of the Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) Grant Program. The VALE Program aims to build more sustainable airports and this grant was significant in providing support for this project.
As well as this geothermal project, SDF is looking to reduce its overall energy use by up to 45%, upgrade lighting and mechanical systems, energy-efficient envelope upgrades will be installed in the terminal, and the airport is exploring the possibility of installing electric charging stations for cars and ground support equipment.
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