ROUTE 2025 - Athens International Airport’s Pathway to Net Zero by 2025

Section

ENVIRONMENT

TOPIC

SUBMITTED FROM

Athens International Airport S.A.

Initiative

ROUTE 2025 - Athens International Airport’s Pathway to Net Zero by 2025

Objective Action

Through the ROUTE 2025 initiative, Athens International Airport (AIA) aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions for both its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by the end of 2025, 25 years ahead of the aviation industry’s target.

The initiative is built around the full coverage of Airport Company’s energy requirements through renewable energy self-generation and self-consumption within the Airport’s perimeter, supported by large-scale battery storage.

In April 2023, the Airport Company completed the first phase of ROUTE 2025, commissioning Greece’s largest self-production photovoltaic facility, a 16 MWp park that currently produces clean electricity equivalent to approximately 45% of the AIA’s annual electricity demand. Building on this important milestone, in 2024 AIA secured financing and awarded the development of an additional 35.5 MWp photovoltaic installation, integrated with an 82 MWh battery energy storage system. Upon completion by the end of 2025, this investment will allow AIA to fully produce its electricity requirements from on-site renewable sources, ensuring climate-neutral operations throughout the duration of its concession, which extends to 2046.

Alongside these investments, the initiative also includes the electrification of AIA’s vehicle fleet and the replacement of natural gas boilers with heat pumps for heating and cooling, minimizing reliance on fossil fuels.

The ROUTE 2025 initiative significantly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), specifically:

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and
SDG 13: Climate Action,

while bolstering Athens’ profile as a top sustainable destination.

Target Audience

AIA's ROUTE 2025 initiative targets a diverse range of stakeholders, including:

AIA Employees and Business Partners: Airlines, ground handling agents, government agencies, and other companies operating within the Airport fence.
Passengers: Travelers using the climate-resilient and environmentally friendly facilities of Athens International Airport.
Residents of Local Municipalities and the Attica Region: The transition to electric vehicles and the reduction of natural gas dependency for heating will significantly lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other air pollutants, improving local air quality. This brings additional benefits to residents of municipalities neighbouring the Airport.
City of Athens and Wider Community: Through AIA's active role in strengthening the "Athens" brand and promoting the city as a sustainable and attractive destination.
National Economy and Employment: Positive impacts in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and job creation.

ROUTE 2025 aligns with AIA's broader sustainable development strategy, with a particular focus on the pillars of Environment and Economic Development.

Duration

2019 - 2025: Net Zero Carbon Emissions 25 years ahead of the aviation industry's 2050 target (See also: Commitment of 300+ European Airports for Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050)

Phase A: Installation of a 16 MWp Photovoltaic Park for self-production and self-consumption (completed in March 2023)
Phase B: Installation of a 35.5 MWp Photovoltaic Park within the Airport perimeter, electrification of the vehicle fleet (specifically high-polluting vehicles, where commercially available solutions exist), and replacement of natural gas boilers with heat pumps (currently under implementation, scheduled for completion by the end of 2025).

Implementation Timeline:

2019: Announcement of ROUTE 2025 and commitment to net zero by 2025.
2023: Completion of Phase A; commissioning of the 16 MWp Photovoltaic Park.
2024: Awarding and financing of Phase B, 35.5 MWp Photovoltaic Park with 82 MWh battery storage, electric vehicle deployment, and installation of heat pumps.
End of 2025: Completion of Phase B and complementary measures (e.g., electric vehicle charging infrastructure), enabling full coverage of AIA’s electricity demand through on-site renewable self-generation, supported by battery storage and the integration of electrification and fuel-switching measures.

Description

Since its establishment in 1996, sustainable operation and development, particularly environmental responsibility, have been key pillars of Athens International Airport's (AIA) business and operational strategy. AIA has long recognised that a major challenge for the sustainable future of airports and air transport is addressing the industry's impact on the climate.

In 2009, AIA was among the first airports to become certified under ACI EUROPE's newly launched Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program for carbon management. Through a series of major infrastructure investments and numerous operational interventions, AIA managed to reduce its carbon footprint by nearly 60% between 2005 and 2024.

In 2016, AIA advanced its ACA certification to Level 3+ by achieving carbon neutrality. Despite this significant achievement - Athens Airport remains the only carbon neutral airport in Greece - it became clear that the climate crisis required more ambitious action, specifically the achievement of net zero carbon.

In June 2019, a large group of European airports co-signed a declaration committing to net zero carbon by 2050. This commitment was reinforced for the entire air transport sector following the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) General Assembly in October 2022.

Taking a bold step, in 2019 AIA announced its plan to achieve net zero carbon by 2025, well ahead of the 2050 target. It is worth noting that AIA has remained committed to this goal despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In April 2023, AIA inaugurated Greece's largest self-production photovoltaic power plant, with a capacity of 16 MWp. This facility now produces approximately 45% of AIA’s annual electricity consumption. In 2024, AIA proceeded with Phase B of ROUTE 2025 by securing financing and awarding the installation of a 35.5 MWp photovoltaic park and an 82 MWh battery energy storage system. With its completion by the end of 2025, AIA will be able to fully produce 100% of its electricity needs through on-site renewable self-generation, maximising long-term energy autonomy until the end of its concession in 2046.

In parallel, AIA is progressing with the electrification of its vehicle fleet and the replacement of natural gas boilers with heat pumps, targeting reduction in its Scope 1 emissions. These measures are fully integrated into AIA’s holistic sustainability strategy, which emphasises environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and resource efficiency, while also improving environmental conditions for neighbouring communities.

In 2024, AIA also succeeded in upgrading its Airport Carbon Accreditation to Level 4+, confirming the credibility of its carbon transition pathway and its alignment with global best practices.

ROUTE 2025 aims for the self-production of clean energy within the Airport through photovoltaic systems for self-consumption of its electricity needs, which correspond to more than 80% of AIA's carbon footprint. This significant investment not only underscores AIA's commitment to environmental responsibility but also enhances Athens' identity as a sustainable destination.

Working with Organization

Workers Participation

Athens International Airport's (AIA) management, through the Company's holistic sustainability strategy, has placed environmental responsibility and climate resilience at the core of the Airport’s operations. The vision of the shareholders and management for international innovation in decarbonisation of AIA's operations relies fundamentally on the dedication, hard work and daily engagement of the Airport’s employees.

AIA’s employees form dedicated project teams driving the ROUTE 2025 initiative, from the design and commissioning of photovoltaic parks to the integration of electric mobility and energy efficiency solutions. Their work has been instrumental in securing key milestones to date, including the commissioning of the 16 MWp photovoltaic park in 2023, the award and financing of the 35.5 MWp park with 82 MWh storage in 2024, and the attainment of Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4+.

Beyond their professional duties, AIA employees act as ambassadors of sustainability, actively supporting the Company’s carbon transition pathway and promoting awareness of climate action within their communities. This culture of shared responsibility reflects AIA’s long-standing belief that true progress in environmental responsibility requires both organisational commitment and individual engagement.

Volunteer participation further strengthens this vision, with employees contributing to environmental awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and related programs that extend the value of ROUTE 2025 beyond the Airport fence.

Initiative Location

In Spata, Attica, Athens International Airport’s (AIA) facilities.

Impact on Society

AIA is advancing its commitment to net zero carbon through the strategic installation of photovoltaic stations for self-generation, energy efficiency and self-consumption. This initiative is pivotal in addressing the climate crisis, producing clean and affordable energy, shaping a sustainable urban environment, and promoting responsible production. Through these major investments in renewable energy, AIA delivers measurable environmental, economic and social benefits.

Phase A: Development of Greece’s largest self-generation unit (completed March 2023)

Clean Energy Production: Upon completion of Phase A, the photovoltaic unit produced approximately 25.2 GWh in 2023 (annual clean energy production), covering 45% of AIA's annual energy demand. This output is equivalent to the annual energy consumption of approximately 6,650 households.
Emissions Reduction: The project reduced CO2e emissions by over 13,430 tonnes in 2023 (based on direct savings from self-consumption of clean electricity).
Economic Benefits: The initiative will lead to reduced electricity costs for the Airport.
Innovation Milestone: AIA became the first European airport with annual passenger traffic exceeding 25 million to implement a renewable self-generation project of this scale.

Phase B: Construction of a new 35.5 MWp Photovoltaic Park within the Airport’s perimeter (under implementation, completion by the end of 2025)

Benefits: When the new 35.5 MWp photovoltaic park, with an integrated 82 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), awarded and financed in 2024, is commissioned in late 2025, combined with the existing photovoltaic units, it will fully produce 100% of the Airport Company’s electricity demand through self-generation and will enhance the balance between self-generation and self-consumption through an integrated storage system. It will also ensure long-term maximisation of energy autonomy, and it will alleviate pressure on the national electricity generation and transmission systems.
Electrification of the vehicle fleet & Replacement of Natural Gas with Heat Pumps: The installation of heat pumps, combined with the electrification of the vehicle fleet, will significantly lower Scope 1 emissions by an additional 14%, while also providing additional cooling for the Airport's air conditioning needs. Overall, fuel switching and electrification are projected to deliver a 72% reduction in Scope 1 emissions versus 2023 levels, while renewable electricity will cut Scope 2 emissions by nearly 100%.

This comprehensive approach underscores AIA's dedication to sustainability and positions it as a leader in environmental responsibility within the aviation industry.

Benefits for Οrganization

AIA is progressing steadily towards net zero carbon emissions by 2025 with a strategic focus on photovoltaic energy and green initiatives.

Phase A: Development of Greece’s largest self-production photovoltaic park (completed March 2023)

Capacity: 16 MWp.
Area: 210,000 sqm.
Energy Production: Approximately 25.2 GWh annually (45% of AIA’s energy needs - equivalent to the consumption of approximately 6,650 households).
Emissions Reduction: Over 10,486 tonnes of CO2e annually through clean energy production.
Economic Benefits: Reduced electricity costs.
Innovation Milestone: AIA became the first airport in Europe and globally, with over 25 million annual passengers, to implement a renewable energy project of this scale.

Phase B: Expansion with a new 35.5 MWp Photovoltaic Park within the Airport perimeter (under implementation, completion by the end of 2025)

Energy Storage System: A new 35.5 MWp photovoltaic park, fully integrated with an 82 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
Goal: Combined output from Phases A and B will secure the production of approximately 61 GWh annually, equal to 100% of AIA’s electricity requirements until the end of its concession in 2046.
Benefits: Long-term energy autonomy strengthens resilience against energy price volatility and supports national grid stability by reducing external demand.

Electrification of the vehicle fleet & Fuel switching

In line with international efforts for green transition, AIA has initiated a program to electrify its vehicle fleet. This program focuses on the following:

Vehicle Fleet Replacement: Priority on Airport buses and operational vans with the highest annual mileage.
Charging Infrastructure: Installation of the required charging infrastructure and electrical systems, including the reinforcement and expansion of the Medium Voltage network, to support the transition to electric mobility (such as electric vehicle chargers in the Airport Parking Areas).
Replacement of Natural Gas Boilers with Heat Pumps: Introduction of high-efficiency heat pumps to reduce Scope 1 carbon emissions and replace natural gas use.
Additional Cooling: Heat pumps will also provide extra cooling for air conditioning needs.
Integration: Any additional electricity demand from fleet electrification and heat pumps will be covered by the photovoltaic parks, ensuring consistency with the net zero carbon target.

These initiatives highlight AIA’s commitment to sustainability, the reduction of operational costs, and its role as a frontrunner in environmental stewardship and climate resilience within the aviation industry.