Airports play a significant role in economic development while presenting considerable energy consumption with demands from various stakeholders. Their important environmental impact can be reduced through an optimised energy system design. In this study, a systematic framework for the generation and comparison of airport energy systems is developed. Mixed integer linear programming and multi-objective optimization are employed to generate different system configurations, which are then compared using multi-criteria analysis. The airport energy demands are estimated based on a simple model for the building and the airfield handling area, using a limited set of parameters available for any airport. First results for Amsterdam Schiphol and five other European hub airports indicate that fully renewable energy systems can be competitive, especially when integrating battery storage for daily energy management. Self-sufficiencies of around 80% can be economically viable, relying on energy systems employing photovoltaic cells, a CO2 network, batteries and grid electricity.

Reducing the emissions of ultra-fine particles in the vicinity of airports to minimise detrimental health effects for near-airport residents and airport personnel has been the main objective of the project. This report details the realisation of this goal which was done by designing a hybrid aircraft with notable improvements in the efficiency and emission characteristics. The aircraft in question is named the ’Low Emission Alternative Fuel’ aircraft, or ’LEAF’. Design of essential components and systems is presented along with evaluation of aspects needed for LEAF aircraft to enter the market by 2035.