The first stage of a significant redevelopment of Perth Airport will see energy efficiency principles implemented for power and water, with the aim of creating a more sustainable transport hub for Western Australia.

Westralia Airports Corporation, the owner and operator of Perth Airport, is co-ordinating the design and construction of a new domestic terminal, to be located adjacent to the airport’s international terminal – situated 20 minutes from Perth City.

Efficiency with cogeneration

Global cogeneration and trigeneration systems supplier Clarke Energy has been selected to design, supply, install and commission a four megawatt (MW) cogeneration plant at the new terminal.

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The system will incorporate two 2 MWe high-efficiency gas engines, two absorption chillers and associated high-voltage switchgear, and will be configured for 24 hour, seven days a week operation to provide back-up power during grid network outages.

It will use gas to generate electricity and heat to power the air-conditioning for both the new domestic terminal and its adjacent international terminal. The plant is expected to reduce the airport’s greenhouse gas emissions by 55 per cent.

Broad scope

The $120 million redevelopment project commenced in August 2011, and is due for completion in December 2012. Broad Construction Services is the construction contractor for the new terminal, which will cater for up to 36 aircraft to meet the needs of air services to regional Western Australia.

The terminal will feature a check-in hall, a large central passenger security screening zone, a departure lounge, baggage reclaim belts, parking and transport connection areas, and access to 14 aircraft gates via covered walkways.

A range of resource-efficient initiatives have been designed by project architect Hassell to reduce the environmental impact of the project and the resulting terminal, including:

  • Underground ducting of ventilation for air-conditioning to reduce energy use
  • A sophisticated building management system to reduce energy consumption during operations
  • Rainwater harvesting and re-use for toilets and gardens, with 2,000 cubic metres of underground storage capacity.

Flying ahead

“Sustainability is important at Perth Airport, which is why innovation in environmental design and construction was a major consideration when developing a new terminal for Western Australia,” says Westralia Chief Executive Brad Geatches.

“With the airport open 24 hours a day and seven days a week, a continuous power supply is essential, so we are particularly pleased to be building a cogeneration plant powered by gas to generate electricity.”

Mr Geatches says that Westralia will incorporate energy efficiency practices into plans for a new international arrivals and departures area and domestic pier at Perth Airport, due for completion in 2014.

Construction of the international terminal expansion will commence in late 2011.