On-Ground Photovoltaic Plants Designed to Recharge Aircraft Batteries

To explore the potential of solar energy in the pursuit of a more sustainable aviation sector, this research examines the feasibility of solar photovoltaic systems for battery recharge of electric or electric hybrid aircraft deployed at four airports in North Africa and North, Central, and South Europe, respectively: Cairo International, London Heathrow, Milan Malpensa, and Rome Fiumicino. Employing PVGIS software with Google Maps, a site-specific photovoltaic array can be designed, optimizing module tilt and orientation to maximize solar energy collection across various climatic conditions. The energy production of the photovoltaic systems at the selected airports is compared to the energy demand required for the annual recharge of the batteries (28 MWh each) used in a widely popular medium-range aircraft, the Airbus A320. Although the calculated amount of energy, allowing for daily capacities ranging from 6 to 10 batteries on average, is insufficient to support the extensive demand associated with the typical air traffic in such airports, the potential of solar energy to decarbonize aircraft seems an appropriate approach to be pursued. Locations with limited solar access necessitate hybrid solutions, especially in sunny regions.