Energy technologies’ compatibility with airports and airspace: Guidance for aviation and energy planners

Abstract

In response to economic, environmental and national security factors, nations are diversifying their energy extraction and generation opportunities through the development of cleaner, more efficient and renewabletechnologies. These developments are expanding the geographic footprint of energy infrastructure and encroaching on the aviation transportation system. The aviation industry is concerned that current practices are not reducing the adverse impacts of energy projects on the safety of airport operations and navigable airspace. In response, the Transportation Research Board’s Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP), an industry-driven, applied research programme of the National Academy of Sciences based in the USA, directed research to better understand the risk of airspace impacts from energy technologies and to develop best practices for aviation safety associated with planning, developing and constructing energy projects. The research focused on energy technologies that are currently being developed, including solar photovoltaic, concentrating solar power, wind power, oil and natural gas extraction, steam-generated power production and electricity transmission. Each technology produces different types of impacts on airports and navigable airspace including physical penetration of airspace, radar interference, glare and thermal turbulence. The research findings, drawing on information from Australia, the UK and the USA, are presented as best practices, organised by technology, and include general siting and design criteria for each. The Guidebook represents a comprehensive resource for aviation and energy industry professionals with information to improve energy technology siting to enable nations to meet domestic energy production needs while ensuring a safe and efficient aviation transportation system.