EIB and ANA Sign €50M Deal to Enhance Low-Carbon Infrastructure at Portuguese Airports

EIB Director of Operations for Spain and Portugal, Gilles Badot, emphasized the alignment of this initiative with the EIB’s commitment to climate action.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Aeroportos de Portugal (ANA) have entered into a significant €50 million agreement aimed at advancing low-carbon infrastructure across nine airports in mainland Portugal and the Portuguese islands. This initiative, aligned with the EIB’s climate action and environmental sustainability goals, is part of ANA’s broader sustainability programme which targets achieving carbon neutrality for its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.

Key Aspects of the Project:

Scope and Cost: The total cost of the project exceeds €100 million, with the EIB’s contribution supporting a range of sustainable initiatives. This project will focus on implementing energy-efficient systems and infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption at Portuguese airports.

Innovative Measures: The programme will introduce energy supply and air conditioning systems for parked aircraft, enabling them to shut down their engines and thereby cut fuel use and emissions. Additionally, electric charging points for ground vehicles will be installed, revolutionizing the operational environment at the airports. The project will cover approximately 135 aircraft parking spots and 600 charging points.

Renewable Energy Integration: Seven photovoltaic projects will be established, with a total installed capacity of 12.8 MWp, contributing to significant reductions in the carbon footprint of ANA airports.

Statements from Key Figures:

EIB Director of Operations for Spain and Portugal, Gilles Badot, emphasized the alignment of this initiative with the EIB’s commitment to climate action. He noted that the project would enhance the operational resilience and safety of the Portuguese airport network while making a substantial contribution to reducing carbon emissions.

ANA’s Chief Executive Officer, Thierry Ligonnière, underscored the importance of this initiative in reinforcing ANA’s net-zero commitment for 2030. He highlighted the project’s role in promoting sector decarbonisation and improving mobility. Ligonnière also expressed gratitude for the EIB’s support and the Portuguese government’s backing of the EU programme.

Project Timeline and Support:

The project is set to be implemented over the next two years and is expected to receive additional support from the Connecting Europe Facility Transport Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (CEF-T-AFIF). This partnership is part of ANA's strategic efforts to electrify its airport ground operations by replacing internal combustion engine vehicles and external power generators for aircraft with more sustainable alternatives.

Broader Impact:

This partnership exemplifies the EIB’s commitment to financing sustainable transport and infrastructure projects that support the European Union’s policy objectives. It contributes to the European Green Deal and the EU’s sustainable and smart mobility strategy, demonstrating a commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector through the electrification of ground operations.

The EIB and ANA’s collaboration represents a significant step towards enhancing sustainability in the aviation sector. By investing in low-carbon infrastructure and renewable energy solutions, the project will advance Portugal's airport network towards a greener future while supporting broader EU climate and sustainability goals.