Canada Edmonton Airport "Use Sustainable Aviation Fuel by 2030"

'Alberta Korea Forum 2024'

Canada's largest airport, Edmonton International Airport (EIA), announced on the 7th at the 'Alberta Korea Forum 2024' that it will use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by 2030 to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

The Alberta Korea Forum 2024, held at The Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, was organized to identify sustainable core cooperation models and practical tasks in fields such as energy, food, creative industries, and life sciences between Korea and Alberta, Canada.

At the event, Marion Legris, Head of ESG and Sustainability Strategy at EIA, emphasized, “EIA submitted the fastest carbon neutrality plan to the Canadian government last August,” adding, “ESG leadership is one of the principles declared and supported by the board of directors.” The use of SAF is included in the ESG principles approved by EIA’s board. SAF is aviation fuel made from eco-friendly raw materials such as seaweed instead of petroleum. It can reduce carbon emissions by up to 75%.

Legris stated that, given EIA’s significant status as an international airport, it is actively challenging the goals to achieve net zero. The EIA airport in Alberta, Canada, has a runway length of about 3,300 meters, making it the largest airport in Canada. Last year, it served 7.5 million passengers, and this number is expected to increase to 10 million by 2025. EIA also became the first airport to join the Cloud Pledge led by big tech company Amazon to achieve net zero by 2040.

EIA is also moving towards decarbonization using hydrogen. Currently, it transports passengers within the airport using hydrogen-powered vehicles. Additionally, it has introduced drone logistics in cargo operations to minimize carbon dioxide emissions.

Legris also revealed plans to build a solar energy generation facility within the EIA airport, named ‘Airport City Solar.’ The goal is to produce 200,000 MW (megawatts) of energy per day. She stated, “This emphasizes EIA’s commitment to sustainable energy practices and demonstrates its determination to reduce environmental impact.”

In December last year, at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28), EIA signed an MOU to establish a green shipping corridor between Western Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and Asian ports. Legris emphasized, “We will work to realize additional carbon neutrality through technological collaboration with Asian countries, including Korea.”