To be erected as a canopy in one of JFK's long-term parking lots, the solar carport will generate around 12 megawatts (MW) of onsite power paired with an additional 7.5 MW of battery storage to help reduce airport energy use during peak periods. Around half of the 12 MW will power the AirTrain rail link that connects JFK to the greater New York City area, while the remainder will be used by historically disadvantaged households in the communities surrounding the airport.
The project is being undertaken in partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA).
“TotalEnergies is honoured to support New York's clean energy transition with this landmark solar carport and storage project at one of the nation's largest airports,” said Marc-Antoine Pignon, managing director, TotalEnergies Renewables USA. “We applaud Governor Hochul, PANYNJ and NYPA for their leadership on this unique project, which will not only make clean power accessible to millions of travellers who pass through JFK Airport each year, but also reduce electricity costs for residents of low-income neighbourhoods in Queens.”
The project is expected to become operational in phases over 2025 and 2026. When complete, the JFK solar carport will produce enough clean energy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 6,000 tons annually and will contribute to the Port Authority's goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions across the agency's facilities by 2050.
