Heathrow and ITW GSE Leading the Charge for Net Zero Aviation
Heathrow electric ground power rollout cuts APU reliance
Heathrow Airport has made fixed electrical ground power and pre-conditioned air standard across all aircraft stands. Consequently, airlines can power and cool parked aircraft without running auxiliary power units. This shift forms a central part of the airport's net zero on the ground plan, which targets a 45% reduction in ground carbon by 2030 compared with 2019 levels.
ITW GSE supplies the battery-powered and electric ground support equipment that supports this transition. The company's 7400 eGPU produces zero emissions at the point of use. Moreover, it generates minimal noise, making it suitable for gate operations and hangar work. According to ITW GSE, the 7400 model can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80% and NOx by 90% compared with diesel-driven ground power units.
This infrastructure change addresses a significant operational emissions source. Aircraft traditionally rely on a small jet engine, the auxiliary power unit, to provide electrical power and air conditioning while parked. However, Heathrow now requires airlines and ground handlers to use fixed electrical ground power and pre-conditioned air as the primary source whenever available. The airport's operational instructions state that handlers must minimise environmental impacts through greener and quieter alternatives such as fixed electrical ground power and pre-conditioned air.
Airport infrastructure now supports electric power on every stand
Heathrow's sustainability strategy confirms that the airport already offers plug-in electric power on all stands. Additionally, pre-conditioned air is available across the terminal complex. This infrastructure investment enables aircraft to remain powered and climate-controlled without burning jet fuel at the gate.
The airport published its roadmap for net zero carbon emissions in February 2020. Since then, Heathrow has invested more than £200 million in net zero energy solutions during the current regulatory period, which runs through the end of 2026. Furthermore, the airport reports that on-the-ground carbon emissions were 18% lower than 2019 levels by the end of 2025.
Heathrow's long-term target is net zero carbon from air travel by 2050. The airport frames ground decarbonisation as achievable through several levers: zero-emission vehicles, electrified buildings and infrastructure, and cleaner aircraft servicing at the gate. Notably, the airport's materials state directly that "we can get to net zero on the ground too," tying airport operations, vehicle electrification, and stand power into the same strategy.
Battery-powered ground support equipment replaces diesel units
ITW GSE's role centres on providing equipment that eliminates diesel ground power units. The 7400 eGPU uses battery power instead of a diesel engine. As a result, it can operate at the gate or inside hangars without producing local exhaust emissions.
This flexibility matters at a high-volume hub like Heathrow. Equipment must work across tightly scheduled operations without compromising stand availability. Battery-powered units allow ground crews to move equipment freely across the apron. In addition, they support indoor hangar operations without requiring ventilation systems for diesel exhaust.
Aviation reporting based at Heathrow indicates that the use of fixed electrical ground power can cut emissions by 100,000 tonnes per year. This figure reflects the scale of emissions associated with auxiliary power unit use across thousands of aircraft movements. Therefore, replacing APU operation with plug-in electrical power delivers measurable carbon reductions.
Ground decarbonisation ties into wider airport net zero plans
Heathrow links ground decarbonisation to its broader net zero aviation strategy. The airport's carbon plan includes electrification of buildings, infrastructure, and ground vehicles. It also includes cleaner aircraft servicing at the gate. Each element contributes to the airport's target of at least 45% lower ground carbon by 2030 compared with 2019.
This integrated approach moves beyond isolated sustainability projects. Instead, airports are building energy systems that connect fixed electrical infrastructure, pre-conditioned air, and zero-emission ground vehicles. Heathrow's operational rules now embed these systems into daily procedures. Specifically, they require use of fixed electrical ground power and pre-conditioned air wherever the infrastructure is provided.
For UK businesses involved in airport operations, facilities management, or ground handling, this shift has practical implications. Firstly, equipment procurement must prioritise electric and battery-powered systems. Secondly, maintenance teams need training on electrical systems rather than diesel engines. Thirdly, energy management becomes more complex as airports integrate renewable power sources and battery storage into apron operations.
What this means for UK aviation and logistics businesses
The Heathrow deployment demonstrates how battery-powered ground support is moving from pilot schemes to operational use. ITW GSE's equipment is now working in a real-world, high-demand airport environment. This transition affects several business areas.
Ground handling companies must adapt to new equipment types. Electric ground power units require different maintenance schedules compared with diesel units. In addition, charging infrastructure must be available and managed to avoid operational delays. Battery-powered equipment also changes how crews plan turnaround activities, since charging time affects equipment availability.
Facilities managers at airports and logistics hubs face infrastructure investment decisions. Installing fixed electrical ground power requires capital expenditure on electrical distribution, connection points, and safety systems. Meanwhile, pre-conditioned air systems need ducting, chillers, and control systems. These investments must align with regulatory periods and capital planning cycles.
Airlines operating at Heathrow and similar airports must comply with ground power usage requirements. Operational procedures need updating to reflect mandatory use of fixed electrical ground power and pre-conditioned air. Training programs must cover new equipment and connection protocols. Furthermore, airlines may need to adjust turnaround timing to account for connection and disconnection procedures.
Procurement teams should note that Heathrow's approach signals a wider industry direction. Other UK airports are likely to follow similar paths as they pursue their own net zero targets. Consequently, specifications for ground support equipment will increasingly favour electric and battery-powered options. Tender requirements may include emissions performance criteria, noise limits, and compatibility with fixed electrical systems.
Key facts about Heathrow's ground power transition
- Heathrow now offers plug-in electric power on all stands, with operational rules requiring use of fixed electrical ground power and pre-conditioned air as the primary source.
- The airport published its net zero carbon roadmap in February 2020 and has since invested more than £200 million in net zero energy solutions through the end of 2026.
- Heathrow targets at least 45% lower ground carbon by 2030 compared with 2019 levels, with a long-term goal of net zero carbon from air travel by 2050.
- ITW GSE's battery-powered 7400 eGPU produces zero emissions at the point of use and can reduce CO₂ by up to 80% and NOx by 90% compared with diesel ground power units.
- Use of fixed electrical ground power at Heathrow can cut emissions by 100,000 tonnes per year by reducing reliance on aircraft auxiliary power units.
- By the end of 2025, Heathrow reported that on-the-ground carbon emissions were 18% lower than 2019 levels.
Commercial and compliance considerations for UK businesses
Businesses supplying airports or bidding for ground handling contracts should expect emissions performance to feature in tender criteria. Heathrow's approach shows that airports are embedding environmental requirements into operational standards rather than treating them as optional extras. Therefore, suppliers need equipment that meets these standards as a baseline requirement.
Energy costs also change under electrification. Diesel fuel costs are replaced by electricity costs, which may be more predictable but require different budgeting approaches. Additionally, battery-powered equipment involves capital costs for batteries and charging infrastructure. However, maintenance costs may be lower due to fewer moving parts and less frequent servicing compared with diesel engines.
Noise reduction provides a secondary benefit. Battery-powered and electric ground support equipment operates more quietly than diesel units. This matters at urban airports like Heathrow, where noise limits affect operating hours and community relations. Quieter equipment can improve working conditions for ground crews and reduce noise complaints from nearby residents.
Air quality improvements also result from eliminating diesel exhaust at the gate. Ground crews and airport workers benefit from reduced exposure to diesel particulates and nitrogen oxides. Furthermore, airports can demonstrate progress on air quality targets, which may affect planning permissions and expansion approvals.
We support businesses with carbon reporting and net zero program compliance, including Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions from transport and logistics operations. For companies involved in airport operations, ground handling, or facilities management, understanding how electrification affects your carbon footprint is increasingly important for tender responses and regulatory compliance.
What aviation businesses should consider
Ground handling companies should assess their equipment fleets against emerging airport requirements. Heathrow's mandatory use of fixed electrical ground power signals a direction that other airports are likely to follow. Consequently, procurement strategies should prioritise electric and battery-powered options when replacing diesel equipment.
Training programs need updating to cover electric systems, battery management, and safe connection procedures for fixed electrical ground power. Ground crews must understand how to connect and disconnect aircraft safely, monitor power quality, and troubleshoot electrical issues. In addition, maintenance teams require skills in electrical systems, battery diagnostics, and charging infrastructure management.
Airlines should review turnaround procedures to ensure compliance with airport ground power requirements. Operational manuals may need revision to include mandatory use of fixed electrical ground power and pre-conditioned air. Furthermore, crew briefings should cover connection protocols and equipment compatibility checks.
Airport operators considering similar transitions should study Heathrow's phased approach. The airport built plug-in electric power across all stands before making usage mandatory. This sequencing ensures infrastructure is in place before operational requirements take effect. Additionally, investment spread across regulatory periods helps manage capital expenditure.
Facilities managers should evaluate electrical infrastructure capacity. Adding fixed electrical ground power and pre-conditioned air increases electrical demand across the airport. Therefore, distribution networks may require upgrades to handle additional load. Battery storage systems may help manage peak demand and integrate renewable energy sources.
Industry context and regulatory drivers
Heathrow's transition reflects broader regulatory and commercial pressures on UK aviation. The UK government has set a target of net zero emissions by 2050, which includes aviation. Airports are responding by addressing emissions they can control directly, particularly ground operations.
According to Heathrow's sustainability strategy, the airport is working toward net zero carbon from air travel by 2050. Ground operations, including aircraft servicing, vehicles, and buildings, form part of this commitment. The airport's operational instructions require airlines and handlers to minimise environmental impacts through greener and quieter alternatives.
The Civil Aviation Authority and Department for Transport are also pushing airports to reduce emissions. Planning approvals for airport expansion increasingly include carbon reduction commitments. Therefore, airports have regulatory incentives to demonstrate progress on emissions reduction.
Industry bodies such as the International Air Transport Association and Sustainable Aviation UK have set targets for carbon reduction. These targets influence airline procurement decisions and airport infrastructure planning. Consequently, suppliers that offer low-emission equipment have competitive advantages in tender processes.
Our ESG compliance and carbon reporting services help businesses navigate these regulatory requirements. For companies in the aviation supply chain, demonstrating emissions reduction progress is increasingly important for maintaining contracts and winning new business.
Further information and guidance
Businesses seeking more detail on airport ground operations and electrification can consult several authoritative sources. Heathrow Airport's sustainability pages provide information on the airport's net zero strategy and infrastructure investments.
The Civil Aviation Authority publishes guidance on aviation emissions and environmental standards. Its materials cover regulatory requirements for airports and airlines operating in the UK.
The Sustainable Aviation UK coalition brings together airlines, airports, manufacturers, and air navigation service providers. The coalition publishes roadmaps and technical reports on aviation decarbonisation.
For businesses assessing carbon reporting requirements and emissions reduction strategies, the UK government's hydrogen strategy and net zero publications provide policy context. These documents outline the regulatory framework within which airports and aviation businesses must operate.