MIA to cut emissions through new electric airfield infrastructure

Malta International Airport (MIA) has announced an Airfield Electricification Programme which is projected to avoid around 1,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

The project will introduce 35 hatch-pit systems which will supply aircraft with a direct provision of electricity during ground operations, effectively eliminating the use of diesel-powered Ground Power Units (GPUs) and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Where hatch-pit installation is not feasible, aprons will be served by mobile battery GPUs together with charging infrastructure totaling 20 charging points. The investment will also provide 15 electric bus charging points for ground handlers, beginning the transition to cleaner vehicles.

The project will also introduce five medium-voltage substations, an electrical network with peak installed capacity of 7.5 MVA, and two generators. MIA hopes to ensure stability and reliability by integrating its energy source to the national grid and with support from the island’s electricity services provider.

Through an investment of €12.5 million, the project is expected to be completed by 2028, ahead of the target date stipulated by the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) for airports forming part of the Trans-European Network.

“This investment forms part of a broader roadmap through which we will continue to deploy low-emission technologies and expand the use of solar power,” MIA Head of Sustainability Justine Baldacchino said. “We re reaffirming our commitment to address Scope 3 emissions, while contributing to Malta’s climate targets and the wider European airport industry’s journey towards decarbonisation.”

This project is co-financed by the European Union with a grant of €5.4 million received through the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF), a funding instrument under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) supporting the ecarbonisation of Europe’s transport sector.