Taiyuan Zero-Carbon Airport Project
China
Proposed
Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency
Quick Facts
More About This Project
Shanxi Province, historically known as the largest coal producer of the country and host of other carbon-intensive industries, aims to transform its energy trajectory to align with national and provincial carbon peaking and neutrality goals. In conjunction with the expansion of its largest airport, Taiyuan Wusu International Airport (TWIA), Shanxi aims to curb the fast-growing source of CO2 emissions in the aviation industry and become a leader in the “energy revolution” through the implementation of the zero-carbon airport.
Currently, TWIA has two terminals in operation handling an annual passenger throughput exceeding its design capacity. Consequently, TWIA is undergoing expansion that will enable it to handle 40 million passengers annually. Without transforming its energy system that is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, TWIA’s carbon footprint could substantially increase.
The Project includes (i) integrated zero-carbon energy systems encompassing solar power, geothermal heating/cooling and energy storage; (ii) an intelligent energy and carbon management platform for efficient operation and maintenance of TWIA’s energy system; and (iii) project management and capacity building to strengthen capacity of the implementing agency.
The Project aims to reduce TWIA’s annual net CO2 emissions to zero in line with national goals by shifting to renewable power sources such as solar and geothermal energy and improving its energy efficiency. In addition to decarbonization, the Project is expected to implement an innovative decarbonization pathway at a regional-hub airport in China and generate valuable practical experiences that can guide other airports in their pursuit of low-carbon transition.