The Louisville Regional Airport Authority, operator of Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), this week broke ground on a $21.7 million project to use geothermal energy to help efficiently and sustainably heat and cool the airport.
The project will include 648 vertical geothermal wells drilled 500 feet deep into the earth on the east side of the SDF airfield. With these wells, the earth’s natural temperature will then be used to keep the terminal cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The new HVAC system will also increase the amount of outside air circulated through the terminal, contributing to a healthier environment for travelers and airport staff.
Airport officials said the geothermal system at SDF will cut carbon emissions by 80 percent while also eventually saving $400,000 each year in heating and cooling operating costs.
“This geothermal project reaffirms our commitment to providing a best-in-class experience and facility for passengers at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport,” said Dan Mann, executive director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. “Not only will this innovative technology make system-wide improvements and increase efficiencies, but we are also setting an example in the industry to reduce carbon emissions and energy use.”
The geothermal wellfield system installation, as well as construction of the new airfield ramp, are expected to be complete by the end of 2022.
