Airports as emerging energy stewards: modernizing infrastructure through a utility-inspired lens

As electrification, sustainability, and resiliency requirements increase, airports are taking on more utility-like responsibilities in managing their electrical infrastructure. Based on interviews and survey responses from U.S. airports, this white paper examines how airports are modernizing power distribution, improving energy visibility, exploring on-site generation and microgrids, and addressing staffing and operational challenges. The findings show that while airports recognize the need to prepare for rapidly growing electrical demand, many still face significant gaps in infrastructure readiness, digital monitoring, resiliency, and workforce capabilities.