Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has broken ground on the construction of a new electric Central Utility Plant (eCUP).
The eCUP will provide sustainably powered heating and cooling capacity to support the growth of DFW Airport. The $234m facility will be primarily fuelled by electricity purchased by the airport that comes from 100% renewable sources.
Once complete, the new facility will provide additional capacity for future airport growth, substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve local air quality by reducing ozone precursor emissions, and lower the plant’s water usage by 29%, compared with today’s systems.
The eCUP has a target opening date of mid-2025
“DFW Airport is investing in the future of sustainable aviation, and the addition of a fully electric utility plant is a major component of achieving net-zero carbon emissions from airport operations by 2030,” said Sean Donohue, chief executive officer, DFW Airport. “As we prepare to build new gates and other critical infrastructure, we will also ensure that our growth is environmentally responsible and resilient. The eCUP will help us meet these goals and further our commitment to sustainability and innovation, while creating more than 1,400 jobs.”
More than $116m for the project has been provided by federal sources, including more than $107m by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which supports infrastructure improvement projects throughout the country.
Construction of the eCUP will begin this summer with a target opening date of mid-2025.
Image: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
