eGPU
Cologne Bonn Airport is investing EUR 33.25 million into five sustainability projects, with EUR 9.75 million to come from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency’s (CINEA) Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Transport programme.
The CEF programme aims to support the development of infrastructure for alternative fuels along the trans-European transport network. CINEA’s funding will come in several instalments, with the first expected for Q1 2026, and the second half projected for after the completion of the projects, which is expected in Q4 2028.
With this funding, Cologne Bonn Airport is aiming to drive climate-friendly infrastructure and reduce CO2 emissions with the following initiatives:
- The installation of 38 additional charging points for electric vehicles and equipment
- The creating of 86 new charging stations for e-mobility across the airport grounds, in addition to extra charging points for electric buses
- The integration of two planned agri-photovoltaic systems into the airport’s power frid
- The installation of 16 Pre-Conditioned Air (PCA) systems in the two terminals to heat or cool aircraft
- The procurement of 15 more electric ground power units (E-GPU) to replace diesel generators
Upon completion of these projects, the airport expects to reduce CO2 emissions by 6,000 tonnes a year, while also reducing noise and dust pollution.
“We are taking ambitious steps towards the future-proof and sustainable development of the airport,” said Thilo Schmid, Chairman of the Management Board of Flughafen Köln/Bonn GmbH. “I am therefore particularly pleased that, with almost €10 million, we will receive the highest funding for our planned investment package. The expansion of modern energy and charging infrastructure, as well as the steadily growing use of zero-emission technology, are making our operations more climate-friendly step by step, whilst at the same time strengthening the performance of our site.”
“For our airport operations, these measures represent a significant modernisation boost,” commented Cenk Özöztürk, Chief Operating Officer. “We are consistently developing our flight operations infrastructure, electrifying key areas and continuously integrating renewable energies. In this way, we are laying the foundations to ensure that the processes on our aprons consistently contribute to our sustainability goals.”
Photo: Cologne Bonn Airport
