Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has joined forces with local elected leaders and aviation executives to launch its solar power generation project at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) in California.
VNY business tenant Aeroplex/Aerolease Group recently showcased its solar rooftop and canopy installation at a launch event; six other business tenants also unveiled solar energy project commitments.
This is the first installment of solar power generation at a LAWA airport, with future projects expected to launch, pending regulatory approvals.
Upon completion of all seven projects presented at the launch event, VNY will become one of California’s leading general aviation airports for solar energy production.
The solar projects have been undertaken by seven VNY aviation companies including Clay Lacy Aviation and Western Jet Aviation.
When energized, all of the systems combined will produce approximately 44.6 million kWh annually, which is enough to power about 8,000 homes each year. In addition, the projects will annually reduce more than 73.3 million pounds of CO₂ emissions.
These new clean energy initiatives demonstrate a successful partnership between VNY business tenants and PCS Energy, the solar provider that will install the panels for all of the projects. Under power purchase agreements, PCS Energy will supply the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power with 100% of the energy produced for the next 20 years.
Deborah Flint, CEO at LAWA, said, “At Los Angeles World Airports, we are harnessing the power of the sun to deliver gold standard airports that lead in environmental sustainability. We are grateful to our tenants at Van Nuys Airport, who are innovating and partnering on this solar initiative, which is both good for the environment and good for business.”
The CO₂ reduction from the current solar power projects and commitments equates to planting almost 15,600 trees or to saving more than 119.1 million car miles driven in a year.
