Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Airside Electrification

Driving Sustainable Aviation at Schiphol

In pursuit of sustainability, Schiphol Airport decided to replace all diesel-powered vehicles and generators with electric ones. The D-pier at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol emitted the most pollution at Schiphol airport. The challenge was the design of the installation of new electric charging infrastructure to supply all assets and vehicles. Vehicles needed to be charged and easily manoeuvred to handle an aircraft when necessary. All vehicles and assets (such as fixed power units and pre-conditioned air) needed allocated positions without hindering operations.

Deerns Solutions

In this project, Deerns was responsible for the physical layout of the aprons and determining where all assets should be located. With its extensive knowledge of the ground operations, Deerns was able to simulate the movement of ground support equipment (GSE), thus determining optimal locations of, for example, the flight power unit, the preconditioned air units (PCA) and charging facilities for electric vehicles.

In addition, Deerns performed a study calculating the sustainability index of the design, using the Building Circularity Index, enabling decision-making which integrated costs as well as sustainability parameters. Together with our partner, Deerns also determined the location of transformer substations as well as the routes of the cables. Deerns redesigned 26 aprons which, once construction is completed, will make it possible to completely handle an aircraft without any local emissions. This project showcases our dedication to providing environmentally responsible solutions while simultaneously enhancing overall airport operations.

Scope of Deerns

• Apron Design
• GSE movement simulations
• Sustainability
• Infrastructure design