Biogas Plant Begins Operation at Svalbard Airport

A new biogas energy plant at Svalbard Airport has entered operation, providing a fossil-free source of electricity and heating in one of the world’s northernmost airport environments.

The facility, which began operations on 12 January 2026, uses liquefied biogas (LBG) as its primary energy carrier and is designed to meet the airport’s full energy demand for both power and thermal heating. Airport operator Avinor says this marks a significant step towards reducing emissions from its own operations in the Arctic.

Avinor highlights that energy use for electricity and heating previously accounted for a large share of the airport’s emissions, and the biogas plant represents a major climate-focused investment to cut fossil fuel dependency. The modular design of the plant includes micro gas turbines paired with heat recovery and a biogas boiler system to deliver efficient thermal output.

Airport officials describe the plant as a key part of ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency, alongside existing solar and wind power installations at the site. While the solution is partly temporary, its modular nature means it can be relocated if Longyearbyen’s broader renewable energy infrastructure grows sufficiently in the future.

Leaders from Avinor and the Norwegian Transport Ministry say the project demonstrates a commitment to cutting emissions even under demanding Arctic conditions and underscores the airport’s role in the transition toward more sustainable aviation operations.