b'42 SDFOPERATIONSLouisville Intl Installs Geothermal System toSubstantially Reduce Energy Costs, Carbon Footprint BY KEN WYSOCKY A $21.7 million geothermalAirport Low-Emission (VALE) grant from heating and cooling systemthe FAA, with the balance paid by airport FACTS&FIGUREScurrently being installed atoperating revenue. Project: Geothermal Heating/Cooling System Louisville Muhammad Ali InternationalWe expect the project will pay for Location: Louisville (KY) Muhammad Ali Intl Airport Airport (SDF) is the first of its magnitude atitself in approximately 10 years, through a U.S. airport. reduced energy costs and decreased 2021 Passengers: 3.2 millionProject Cost: $21.7 million The project ismaintenance costs during the life of designed to reducethe system, says Mann. We also Funding: $10.6 million VALE grant; airport operatingthe Kentucky airportsconsidered solar power, but geothermal revenue energy costs forhad the biggest payback of anything we Construction: Late 2021-2024natural gas andconsidered. It really got my attention when System Components: 648 wells (500 ft. deep);electricity by roughlywe heard it could save us $400,000 on 709,000 ft. of HDPE pipe; 85 heat pumps; automated$400,000 annually. Itutility bills.monitoring system also should reduce Design/Engineering Consultant: CMTA DAN MANN The heart of the system is 648 wells SDFs carbon footprintdrilled 500 feet deep into a nine-acre Prime Contractor: E&B Paving by about 80%, says Dan Mann, executiveparcel adjacent to the airports commercial Drilling Contractor: Chesapeake Drilling Corp. director of the Louisville Regional Airportcarrier ramp. Heating and cooling Anticipated Benefits: $400,000 decrease in annualAuthority, which owns and operates SDFrequirements for the terminal dictated how energy costs; 40% reduction in energy usage; 80% decreaseand nearby Bowman Field. many wells were needed and how deep in carbon footprint; paved well field creates additional roomThe project began in September 2021they were drilled. Consulting firm CMTA for aircraft parking; reduced HVAC maintenance costs; 2-3and is slated for completion in 2024.provided design and engineering services times longer system lifecycle compared to conventional HVAC systems; better control over terminal air quality &Funding includes a $10.6 million Voluntaryfor the project. comfort; capacity to support future terminal expansionNovember | December 2022AirportImprovement.com'