JFK Airport to Be Site of NY’s Largest Solar + Storage Project

QUEENS, New York — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday attended a groundbreaking event for a solar plus storage project at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens.

The solar carport canopy will be New York state’s largest onsite solar plus storage project to date. The carport will generate around 12 MW of onsite power paired with an additional 7.5 MW of battery storage to help reduce airport energy use during peak periods.

Around half of the 12 MW will power the AirTrain rail link that connects JFK International to the greater New York City area, while the remainder will be used by historically disadvantaged households in the communities surrounding the airport.

“We are breaking ground on a game-changing solar project, which will give power to the AirTrain and support thousands of families in Queens,” Hochul said in a press release. “Supporting local minority- and women-owned businesses, this project will deepen our investment in the community while pushing forward New York’s nation-leading climate goals.”

The Port Authority, in partnership with the New York Power Authority, has contracted TotalEnergies to build and operate the JFK International Airport solar project.

“As a top developer of renewables in the U.S. and worldwide, TotalEnergies is honored to support New York’s clean energy transition with this landmark solar carport and storage project at one of the nation’s largest airports,” said Marc-Antoine Pignon, managing director of TotalEnergies Renewables, in a press release from the company.

NYPA is also implementing a $4 million project for the Port Authority that includes the installation of energy efficient LED fixtures throughout the airport’s Hangar 19. Sixteen electric vehicle chargers are also being installed for Delta to power plane tugs and baggage loaders. An earlier project completed 120 chargers at Terminal 5 for JetBlue fleets.

“The JFK Solar Carport Project brings us one step closer to a more sustainable future. I’m grateful for the Port Authority and the New York Power Authority’s leadership in spearheading a project that will reduce electricity costs for low-income residents across New York. We must continue to make critical investments into our local communities that increase quality of life and protect the environment for the next generation,” Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, D-N.Y., said in a press release.

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