The Tennessee Valley Authority has announced a partnership with four Valley airports and Federal Express to replace a portion of their diesel-powered ground support equipment with no emissions, all-electric gear.
In addition to the FedEx World Hub in Memphis, the Bowling Green-Warren County Regional Airport, Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, Tri-Cities Regional Airport, and Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority are receiving TVA cash incentives based on the type and amount of equipment purchased.
Ultimately, more than 55 pieces of diesel-powered gate equipment will be replaced over the next few months, reducing fossil fuel consumption and emissions within the Tennessee Valley region.
“We don’t necessarily think about airport ground support equipment when considering air pollution, but this equipment is constantly in motion and continually produces emissions,” said Cindy Herron, TVA vice president of EnergyRight Solutions programs. “With this program, we have the potential to save more than 4,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year in the Tennessee Valley.”
This project is one of several non-traditional ways that TVA is working to make the air cleaner in the Valley. “We are on track to reduce the CO2 emissions produced in our own facilities by 40 percent by 2020,” Ms. Herron added. “We are pleased to be able to help other facilities do the same.”