Total Energies has begun construction on New York State’s largest solar generation and storage system at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The project is being developed in collaboration with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) and the New York Energy Authority (NYPA).
The JFK Solar Carport, located in the airport’s Lot 9 long-term parking lot, will be constructed as a canopy, providing the added benefit of covered parking for 3,000 vehicles. The solar carport will generate approximately 12 MW of on-site power, combined with a further 7.5 MW of battery storage to help reduce the airport’s energy consumption during peak periods. About half of the 12 MW will power the AirTrain rail link connecting JFK to the greater New York City area, while the remainder will be used by historically underserved households in the communities surrounding the airport.
At a groundbreaking ceremony on April 23, New York Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the impact of the project.
“We are building a groundbreaking solar energy project that will power the AirTrain and support thousands of families in Queens,” Hochul said. “This project will support local minority- and women-owned businesses and will deepen our investments in the community while advancing New York’s leading climate goals.”
U.S. Representative Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY 5e District) was also present and highlighted the benefits of the project for low-income residents of the state.
“The JFK Solar Carport Project brings us one step closer to a more sustainable future,” said Meeks. “I am grateful for the leadership of the Port Authority and the New York Power Authority in leading a project that will lower electricity costs for low-income residents across New York. We must continue to make critical investments in our local communities that increase quality of life and protect the environment for the next generation.”
The project is expected to enter service in phases throughout 2025 and 2026. When completed, the JFK Solar Carport will contribute to the Port Authority’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions at the agency’s facilities by 2050.
“As a top developer of renewable energy sources in the U.S. and globally, TotalEnergies is honored to support New York’s clean energy transition with this groundbreaking solar carport and storage project at one of the nation’s largest airports,” said Marc- Antoine Pignon, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Renewable Energy USA. “We applaud Governor Hochul, PANYNJ and NYPA for their leadership in this unique project, which will not only make clean energy accessible to millions of travelers who pass through JFK Airport each year, but also reduce electricity costs for residents of low-income neighborhoods. in Queens.”
TotalEnergies recently reached over 1.5 GW of sustainable power purchase agreements with more than 600 industrial and commercial customers worldwide, of which 1.1 GW is already operational. These solar solutions are designed for self-consumption at customer sites and for injection into the grid, supporting their decarbonization efforts.
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