The Port Authority announced that New York City’s single-largest solar energy project, an installation at John F. Kennedy International Airport, has been awarded to SunPower Corporation and Goldman Sachs Renewable Power Group, a major step forward in meeting the agency’s aggressive sustainability goals. 

Once completed, the project will allow multiple surrounding communities to access solar energy plans at reduced rates.

Developed in partnership with the New York Power Authority (NYPA), the JFK International Airport Solar Photovoltaic Project will generate approximately 13 megawatts of onsite solar and approximately 7.5 megawatts of battery storage, including a 6.1-megawatt community solar generation facility. 

The rest of the solar energy produced will be used onsite at JFK, offsetting the Port Authority’s purchase of conventional electricity sources. In addition to being the single-largest solar project in New York City, it is the largest planned community solar project at an airport in the United States.

The installation is a key element in the Port Authority’s aggressive effort to implement solar and other renewable energy sources to its power operations and reflects the agency’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement. It is expected to reduce JFK greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 6,699 tons annually, the equivalent of taking 1,422 cars off the road each year. 

 “Equipping our essential transportation facilities with renewable energy sources and equipment is key to reducing our carbon footprint across the agency,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Using best-in-class technology, the installation of these solar panels will help us bring the airport up to 21st century standards and enable the communities neighboring JFK to benefit from these clean energy installations.”

 “This innovative solar development at JFK is on a scale unprecedented in New York City, not to mention nationwide,” said NYPA President and CEO Gil C. Quiniones. “NYPA is proud to be a partner in such a trailblazing project that will help JFK significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions while supporting Gov. Cuomo’s green energy goals. The fact that the installation will also provide affordable renewable energy to the local community makes this a sustainable good-neighbor project worthy of replication by other facilities.” 

The project encompasses Building 141 and Long-Term Parking Lot 9. Building 141 will host approximately 1 megawatt of rooftop solar, and Lot 9 will host more than 13 megawatts of solar and approximately 7.5 megawatts of energy storage. The projects will reduce the airport’s demand for fossil fuel-generated electricity and add resiliency to the AirTrain system. In total, this project will reduce the Port Authority’s greenhouse gas emissions at JFK by approximately 10 percent.

Additionally, the electricity provided to the grid through this project will provide small business and residents near JFK the opportunity to utilize renewable energy at discounted prices. 

SunPower is the solar developer and contractor for the infrastructure to be built. The financial partner, Goldman Sachs Renewable Power Group, will hold the power purchase agreement. BlueWave Solar will assist in providing the surrounding airport community with affordable access to clean electricity produced by the solar system by managing the associated subscriptions and billing.

The JFK renewable energy program is part of the Port Authority’s goal of reducing the agency’s greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2025 and advance its long-term goal of an 80-percent reduction in all emissions by 2050. 

Gov. Cuomo’s JFK Vision Plan, unveiled in January 2017, calls for transforming the airport into a world-class, 21st century transit hub by incorporating best-in-class technological innovations and passenger amenities, including advanced sustainable design and energy infrastructure, a unified terminal layout, and improved roadways, taxiways and AirTrain JFK system that will reduce congestion and air pollution.