The Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) recently released Report 151: Developing a Business Case for Renewable Energy at Airports (the Report). The Report is a companion to ACRP Report 141: Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source.

The Report provides a comprehensive guide to developing a business case for renewable energy projects at airports, and can be applied in other spheres as well. It includes chapters describing a renewable energy business case, the basis of a business case, evaluation criteria and ranking methodology, integrating projects with planning and decision making and engaging internal and external stakeholders. It reviews a model business case, provides examples of business cases, in both airport and non-airport contexts, and concludes with information regarding funding methods for renewable energy projects. The Report also includes several useful appendices, including a sample request for proposals and a sample power purchase agreement.

The business case for developing renewable energy projects at airports goes well beyond simply meeting state or local energy policy goals or “being green” – tangible benefits can include price certainty, the ability to ensure operations even when connections to the local grid are temporarily severed, and the ability to smooth spikes in energy prices due to peak period pricing.