The demand for air travel to Southeast Asia (SEA) has been on the rise with the thriving tourism industry of the region. The associated growth and pressure on airport infrastructure in SEA countries has been high and necessitates the adoption of smarter and sustainable solutions for its development. According to industry estimates, the transport sector accounted for about one-quarter of total energy-related CO2 emissions in 2015 in SEA, and it is expected to increase by 3.3 per cent per annum to 870 million tonnes (mt) in 2050. Hence, it has become necessary to focus on transition to clean transportation fleets to reduce emissions and contribute to energy independence. Many of the airports in the region have started adopting technologically advanced measures to improve their safety and security systems, and to enhance passenger experience and connectivity in an environment-friendly manner. Airport authorities and governments in the region are also planning to build carbon-neutral airports through green initiatives.
Carbon-neutral airports
These “carbon-neutral or net zero airports” facilitate the integration of renewable energy solutions and advanced infrastructure to address environmental challenges and improve overall operational efficiency. Energy solutions include the use of renewable energy sources like solar, wind and geothermal power instead of traditional energy sources to generate electricity. Solar energy has proven to be the most cost efficient and easy to use energy source due to its low installation cost and the fact that it can be installed in already existing spaces like rooftops and parking to supply power to carry out airport operations like lighting, air conditioning and baggage handling systems. Geothermal energy comes next in terms of cost effectiveness.
Implementing these solutions offers multiple benefits for airports, such as enabling them to comply with regulations and secure environmental certifications, and generating substantial long-term cost savings by lowering energy expenses and maintenance needs. Besides, being recognised as a green airport provides a competitive edge, attracting eco-conscious airlines and passengers.
Key initiatives by airports in SEA
Changi airport, Singapore, has made strong commitments towards smart and sustainable infrastructure development and operations. These commitments have paved the way for various initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and leveraging technology. Among its key plans is a pledge to achieve zero carbon growth by 2030, keeping total carbon emissions at 2018 levels. Additional goals include a 5 per cent reduction in overall water consumption and diverting 11 per cent of the airport’s waste away from incineration. To further enhance sustainability, the Changi Airport Group (CAG) is also working on lowering the airport’s air-conditioning power load through the installation of solar panels near the runways.
Suvarnabhumi airport, Thailand, is making significant progress in its journey towards sustainability, particularly with the introduction of electric taxis, marking a key step towards becoming Thailand’s first green airport. The airport also aims to reduce over 50 mt of carbon dioxide emissions annually by shifting to the use of electric vehicles (EVs). Airport of Thailand (AOT) has 18 charging stations already at the airport and has plans to establish seven more charging stations to accommodate the growing number of EVs. These measures are expected to ensure greater operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
In Malaysia, the Kuala Lumpur International Airport is among the airports that are pioneering the use of advanced technologieswhile creating a carbon-neutral future. A few key steps have been taken at the airport to ensure sustainable development including increased use of solar energy, introduction of EVs to reduce carbon emission, rainwater harvesting, the setting up of an automated waste collection system, motion-activated lighting and water recycling.
Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad has set a new target for absolute carbon reduction, committing to achieving net zero carbon by 2050. This is in line with both the 12th Malaysia Plan and the Paris Agreement. To support this, Malaysia Airports has launched the Environmental Master Plan 2.0 (2023-2030), which is divided into two phases: Phase 1 from 2023 to 2026, and Phase 2 from 2027 to 2030, covering eight key performance areas. The focus is primarily on reducing scope 1 emissions (direct emissions that are owned and controlled by a company) and scope 2 emissions (indirect emissions that are a consequence of a company’s activity but are not owned and controlled by them), as these are directly under Malaysia Airports’ control and influence.
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport became the first in the Philippines to achieve Level 1 Mapping under the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme in March 2024. Operated by Aboitiz Infracapital GMCAC, the airport has carried out a detailed analysis of its CO2 emissions and developed a comprehensive plan to reduce emissions. The airport’s decarbonisation efforts include minimising non-biodegradable waste on-site, implementing infrastructure projects to lower energy consumption and incorporating renewable energy into its operations.
Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Indonesia received the ASEAN Energy Award for best energy management in the large building category in 2023. This recognition came from the airport’s dedication to balancing energy efficiency with enhancing traveller’s experience. Energy-efficient features such as photoelectric sensors on escalators and travelators, and eco-friendly lighting throughout the terminals have been well received by tourists. Additionally, these measures have contributed to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, amounting to 21,008 tonnes of CO2, while also lowering operational costs for the airport.
Use of SAF
Apart from the key initiatives and new technologies that are constantly being adopted and implemented by various airport authorities in SEA to reduce their carbon footprint, a significant amount of importance is being given to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as well.
Scaling up the production and supply of SAF is crucial for the global air transport sector’s efforts to decarbonise, following its 2021 commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. SAF is currently the only viable alternative to conventional aircraft kerosene, which remains the most commonly used fuel in aviation. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAF can reduce commercial aviation’s carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent. IATA further estimates that SAF needs to account for 62 per cent of the industry’s carbon reduction efforts to meet its net zero goal. By 2022, more than 30 airlines had announced plans to transition to SAF.
SEA, rich in biofuel feedstocks, has begun producing SAF, a resource that remains scarce in the global market. Neste, a Finnish company and a leading producer of renewable fuels, expanded its refinery in Singapore, which now boasts the world’s largest capacity to produce SAF (up to 1 mt annually). Additionally, national oil companies in the region are ramping up their SAF production capabilities. Indonesia’s Pertamina is developing an SAF formula known as Bioavtur, made from refined bleached deodorised palm kernel oil, capitalising on the country’s significant palm oil production. Garuda Indonesia, the national airline, successfully conducted its first commercial flight using Bioavtur from Soekarno-Hatta Airport to Adi Soemarmo Airport. Pertamina plans to market and distribute SAF through PT Pertamina Patra Niaga.
Petronas has partnered with Japan’s Idemitsu Kosan Company Limited to develop a reliable supply chain for SAF production. This partnership includes exploring the use of non-edible oil feedstock trees such as pongamia and jatropha for SAF production. They also aim to establish a distribution network to ensure airlines have consistent access to SAF. Petronas is additionally researching the use of crude algae oil and palm waste for SAF production and aims for large-scale SAF and biofuel production by 2026 through its biorefinery in Pengerang, Johor, and co-processing facilities in Melaka.
Challenges
While SEA airports are making progress towards carbon neutrality by reducing operational costs, enhancing environmental sustainability and boosting competitiveness, certain challenges remain that could impede their ability to meet net zero targets. One major challenge is the substantial initial investment required to integrate renewable energy into airport infrastructure, which can be a significant obstacle, particularly for smaller airports with constrained budgets. Additionally, the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like solar and wind requires the development of reliable energy storage systems to maintain a steady power supply. A further challenge lies in the need for specialised knowledge to design, install and manage renewable energy systems. Public-private partnerships can help address these challenges by utilising private sector expertise and resources while distributing the risks and benefits of the investment.
The way forward
Moving ahead, governments and airport authorities must prioritise expanding renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar and wind power, while integrating energy storage systems to mitigate intermittency issues. Scaling up the production and supply of SAF will also play a vital role in decarbonising aviation. Finally, capacity-building initiatives focused on specialised expertise in green technologies, coupled with regional collaboration on sustainability practices, will be essential to ensure a consistent and accelerated transition towards environmentally sustainable airport operations.
