Mott MacDonald to work with YVR to advance energy solutions

Mott MacDonald has been selected by the Vancouver Airport Authority, which manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR), to carry out a planning initiative that will support electrification and decarbonization efforts at YVR.

This project is our first opportunity to work with YVR, helping the Airport Authority achieve its goal of net-zero emissions by 2030 as well as the Canadian aviation sector’s long-term vision of net-zero emissions by 2050.

YVR is the second busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic behind Toronto’s Pearson International.

Along with partners DMD Electrical Consultants and Harris Miller Miller & Hanson, we will be assessing YVR’s current electrical infrastructure design, recommending replacements and upgrades to support future load growth, and developing a feasibility report on renewable energy sources that could be used at the airport.

We will examine the airport’s existing 25kV/600V electrical system and identify gaps and requirements for YVR’s decarbonization goals and overall operational resilience.

To achieve net-zero by 2030, the Airport Authority is electrifying its building cooling and heating systems, hot water heating, and light duty fleet. To support the broader industry goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, battery-electric aircraft and ground support vehicles as well as hydrogen aircraft will play a big role along with Sustainable Aviation Fuel. As such, YVR is focused on ensuring adequate electricity and energy solutions available to support its transition to net zero operations and help enable low carbon flight.

Mott MacDonald will perform electrical load analysis and forecast the electrical load required to support all net-zero initiatives at YVR and will complete a feasibility study into renewable projects to further reduce emissions.