Oakland Airport and alternative power

For more than 80 years, Oakland International Airport (OAK) has been an important part of the San Francisco Bay area. The airport complex and other OAK-related aviation businesses employ 8,000 people.

Did you know?

• Many airports are actively limiting their NOx, CO and other emissions in order to address local air quality issues and at the same time cut greenhouse gas emissions.
• One major way to so this is to focus on using alternative forms of power for airplanes at airports.

What we’re doing

• Major improvements to the electrical supply at Oakland airport are being made.
  • Ground power: All aircraft gates are equipped with a 400 Hz power supply. Therefore, aircraft do not need to use jet fuel to generate electricity.
  • Pre-conditioned air: Electric powered air conditioning units have been provided for jetways and aircraft. This eliminates the use of jet fuel or portable diesel units for air conditioning.
  • Ground Support Equipment (GSE): Replace diesel- and gasoline-powered vehicles used for towing and servicing aircraft with alternative-fuel vehicles.

What is the result?

• Aircraft do not need to use as much jet fuel to generate electricity at the airport, thus significantly reducing CO₂ emissions.
• See the full case study for more activities at Oakland International Airport to cut CO₂ emissions.