Case Study: AEME GSE's First Solar+Aircraft Solid-State Ground Power Solution
By combining solar power, energy storage, and aircraft solid-state ground power units, this project provides a high-efficiency, zero-emission solution that supports airports in their advancement toward a green and zero-carbon future. This marks AEME GSE’s first solution integrating green energy with aircraft solid-state ground power units. It is also the first green energy solution adopted by Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, a major hub handling over 40 million passengers annually.
Project Overview
Location: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
Timeline: 2017 – Present
Background & Challenges
As airports accelerate APU replacement and the adoption of electric ground support equipment, rising electricity demand has posed significant challenges for green airport development:
Limited capacity at older stands, with remote stands facing insufficient power supply, high expansion costs, and long construction timelines.
Unreliable supply at passenger boarding bridges, where sudden outages disrupt aircraft servicing and risk data loss.
Intermittency of renewable energy, as solar and wind power alone cannot provide continuous, stable electricity.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
AEME GSE’s Solution
Airports have inherent advantages for photovoltaic (PV) installation. The solution integrates PV systems and intelligently manages solar energy to maximize utilization and improve overall efficiency. Building on this foundation and leveraging our expertise in ESS and GSE solutions, we pioneered a solar-storage-ground power hybrid system that integrates:
• PCS (Power Conversion System)
• DC microgrids
• Distributed energy storage system
• Medium-frequency power technology
Core Products:
• Solid-State Ground Power Unit
How Does It Work?
The Energy Management System (EMS) coordinates each module for power dispatch and logical control:
• Solar power is prioritized for aircraft ground supply.
• When solar generation is insufficient, power is drawn from the grid and converted into 115V / 400Hz electricity.
• Excess solar energy is stored in the battery system.
• Energy storage ensures continuous power supply during grid interruptions.
This design significantly improves supply reliability and green energy efficiency.
Results & Impact
From 2017 to 2024, the system has achieved:
• 175,000+ hours of operation
• 20,100 tons reduction in jet fuel consumption
• 63,000 tons reduction in CO₂ emissions
• 700.5 tons reduction in CO and NOx emissions
• Approx. USD 1.84 million in cost savings for airlines
Industry Recognition
The solution at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport has been recognized as a national demonstration project for energy saving and “oil-to-electricity” transition in the civil aviation sector. It was included in the 2020 National Energy Administration’s Collection of Energy Storage Innovation Cases.
"We greatly appreciate the professionalism, technical expertise, and dedication demonstrated by AEME’s staff, which have positively impacted our project. We extend our sincere commendation and look forward to the next phases of the project."
— Ground Handling Technology Services Department, Sichuan Airport Group
Conclusion
Since the first implementation of the integrated solar-storage-ground power solution, it has reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions, maintained an excellent safety record, and earned deep trust from clients. Over the past eight years, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and AEME GSE have collaborated closely, with the energy-storage APU replacement facilities marking steady progress toward the green airport vision.
Through in-depth analysis of aircraft ground power characteristics, this solution enables efficient clean energy utilization, maximizes on-site green energy integration, and supports the transition to low- or zero-carbon energy systems, aligning with Green Airport zero-carbon initiatives.
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