Dallas Fort Worth International Airport breaks ground on trailblazing electric central utility plant

DFW breaks ground with trail blazing project. CREDIT: DFW AIRPORT

As part of its commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) broke ground on the construction of a new, electric Central Utility Plant (eCUP) that will provide sustainably powered heating and cooling capacity to support the growth of DFW Airport. The $234 million facility will be primarily fuelled by electricity purchased by the airport that comes from 100% renewable sources.

Once complete, the eCUP will provide additional capacity for future airport growth, substantially decrease greenhouse gas emissions, improve local air quality by reducing ozone precursor emissions, and lower the plant’s water usage by 29%, compared with systems now.

“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 also will 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 $116 million for the project has been provided by federal sources, including more than $107 million by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which supports infrastructure improvement projects throughout the country.

The eCUP will begin construction this summer with a target opening date of mid-2025.