Image credit: Squadron Energy and Crudine Ridge Wind Farm.

With air travel booming, the need for sustainable solutions has never been greater.

Sydney Airport is rising to the challenge and has now switched to the equivalent of 100% renewable electricity powering its airport operations.

Taking place in January 2025, this change marks an important step in Sydney Airport’s commitment to reducing environmental impacts. Our renewable electricity contract is with Crudine Ridge Wind Farm, about 45km south of Mudgee, NSW where 37 wind turbines generate enough energy to power up to 75,000 homes a year.

From the moment passengers enter the Sydney Airport precinct, things like streetlights, boom gates and elevators will be powered by the equivalent of wind or solar-powered electricity.

Inside the terminal as passengers check in at airline counters, pass through security scanners and visit the bathrooms, they will all be powered by the equivalent of renewable electricity.

At the boarding gates, equipment from aerobridges to airfield lighting and control towers – you guessed it – now powered by the equivalent of 100% renewable electricity.

Sydney Airport is also offering airport tenants access to renewable electricity.

On track to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2030 (Scope 1 and 2)

This renewable electricity transition will see Sydney Airport offset approximately 63,000 tonnes of its Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Even more importantly, this milestone puts the airport on track to achieve its target of Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 operational emissions by 2030.

Sydney Airport’s Scope 1 emissions are primarily made up of natural gas used for heating and fuel used by Sydney Airport’s cars and buses across the precinct. Scope 1 makes up around 9% of operational emissions.

Scope 2 emissions are driven by electricity used within the airport boundary, excluding tenant electricity use. Scope 2 totals around 91% operational emissions.

Scope 3 emissions encompass all stakeholder emissions. Sydney Airport is working with key partners on projects to reduce Scope 3 emissions, which contribute to close to 98% of the airport’s total carbon footprint. These emissions include full flight emissions and every passenger journey to the airport.

In addition to renewable electricity, Sydney Airport is progressing towards Net Zero 2030 for Scope 1 and 2 through electricity-efficient initiatives such as 20,000 LED light upgrades, optimised heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. This is complemented by onsite solar, which helps power airport operations. This is all meaningful progress towards a cleaner future.

Partnering for a more sustainable aviation industry

Sydney Airport’s Group Executive - Government Relations, Sustainability & Legal, Karen Tompkins said the airport’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond investing in renewable electricity.

"This shift to renewable electricity is a huge step, but it’s just the beginning of what we are hoping to achieve. Australians rely on the aviation industry. It is vital we work to decarbonise Australian aviation to protect our economy and keep our country moving,” said Ms Tompkins.

“As Australia’s biggest airport, Sydney Airport has a unique opportunity to help kick start a domestic Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industry. SAF is an alternative fuel, which can be produced from waste oil and fats, green and municipal waste and non-food crops. SAF is one of the most powerful levers to drive meaningful emissions reductions across the aviation sector.”

“With the right policy settings and support from state and federal governments, Australia can become a global leader on SAF.”

But wait, there’s more good news. Sydney Airport is partnering with airlines and ground handlers to improve sustainability on the tarmac.

In an exciting step forward, ground power units (GPUs), (the devices that supply electricity to aircraft while they’re parked at the gate), are energised with the equivalent of renewable electricity. Using GPUs enables planes to switch off their auxiliary power units (APUs) while on the ground which reduces noise and air pollution on the airfield, helping to create a healthier working environment for airport staff.

Plugging into ground power units also reduces jet fuel usage, noise and operational impacts, providing additional benefits for airline partners and the airport community. They might be small changes, but they all contribute to reducing emissions.

A positive shift

The shift to the equivalent of 100% renewable electricity has been achieved in partnership with Squadron Energy and Clean Peak Energy. Put simply, the purchased renewable electricity certificates match or offset Sydney Airport’s total operational electricity consumption, in addition to existing onsite solar panels.

Sydney Airport’s renewable electricity certificates are generated from Crudine Ridge Wind Farm, a 142MW project near Mudgee, NSW, featuring 37 turbines that generate enough power for 75,000 homes annually.

It’s just one way Sydney Airport is working towards a more sustainable airport for our community, the people of Sydney, NSW, and beyond.

Find out more about how Sydney Airport is committed sustainability including its Net Zero 2030 goals for Scope 1 and 2 emissions.