In line with innovative environmental approaches, Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur is continuing its efforts in energy transition.
This was confirmed with the test launch of the first 100% electric airport shuttle powered by “biberonnage” last month, as well as the implementation of electric power and air conditioning, reducing or even eliminating for some business jets, the need for APUs (onboard power units) that are significant greenhouse gas emitters and also generate noise pollution for nearby residents.
Indeed, starting from January 1, 2015, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport will be powered 100% by renewable electricity derived from French hydraulic production. This is a first in this field, as up to now, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is the only French airport to make this energy choice.
After eighteen months of contact and work with most European energy companies and suppliers, it is EDF whose commitment and innovation capabilities made this outcome possible. This choice is all the more significant since Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is, with a volume of 45 GWh annually, among the largest consumers in the Alpes Maritimes.
It is also a new step for Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur in the approach initiated with the Airport Carbon Accreditation to achieve carbon neutrality by 2018. The purchase of hydraulic electricity should further reduce current emissions of Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur by 60%. The level of emission per passenger will therefore be equivalent to the emissions generated by a French person in 15 minutes.
The environmental choice of Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur is even more important as it leads most of the administrations, as well as the airlines and companies present at the airport, to follow suit. Thus, more than 160 entities will transition with Nice Côte d’Azur Airport on January 1, 2015, to 100% green and 100% renewable electrical energy.
For Powernext, an independent body responsible for issuing guarantees of origin for electricity produced from renewable energy sources in the European energy sector, Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur’s commitment to purchase 100% renewable electricity is exemplary. The system of guarantees of origin managed by Powernext, from which Nice Côte d’Azur Airport will benefit, ensures the credibility and reliability of such commitments.
