Schiphol and BAM Aim for Gas-Free Future with Sustainable Pier E Project

Schiphol Airport collaborates with BAM to replace climate control systems at Pier E, installing electric heat pumps and enhancing thermal energy storage, aiming for a gas-free airport by 2030.

 

Schiphol and BAM Collaborate to Make Pier E More Sustainable

Major Climate Control System Overhaul

Schiphol Airport and BAM Bouw en Techniek have initiated a large-scale project to replace the climate control systems at Pier E, marking a significant step towards the airport's goal of becoming gas-free by 2030. This project involves installing an additional electric heat pump and connecting new air conditioning units to the existing thermal energy storage system underground.

Sustainable Energy Solutions

Transition to Electric Heating

Instead of using gas-powered boilers, the new system will rely on an electric heat pump and 17 new air conditioning units. The existing thermal energy storage system will be renovated to sustainably heat and cool the pier using an advanced air system. This initiative is part of Schiphol's broader strategy to reduce gas usage and enhance energy efficiency.

Minimizing Disruption

The work, scheduled to continue until 2028, will be carried out in phases to minimize inconvenience to passengers and airlines. BAM Bouw en Techniek will also conduct other necessary maintenance simultaneously to streamline the process and reduce disruptions.

Significant Energy Savings

Reducing Gas Usage to Zero

Pier E currently consumes approximately 290,000 m³ of natural gas annually. The new climate control systems are expected to reduce this usage to zero by 2030. Sybren Hahn, Executive Director of Schiphol Infrastructure, emphasized the importance of replacing existing assets with new, gas-free systems to achieve this goal.

Proven Solutions

"We will be introducing proven solutions, such as thermal energy storage, at Pier E. That's a major task at a location that is always operational. This sometimes makes it a complex puzzle along with other replacement maintenance, but we are eager to get to work," said Hahn.

Long-Term Sustainable Collaboration

BAM’s Role in the Energy Transition

Lidewij de Haas, Executive Director of BAM Bouw en Techniek, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration: “We are extremely pleased that this collaboration allows us to further help Schiphol with the energy transition and achieve their sustainability ambitions. This is fully in line with BAM's own strategy 'Building a sustainable tomorrow'."

Comprehensive Infrastructure Management

BAM Bouw en Techniek's work at Pier E is part of a long-term sustainable collaboration with Schiphol. BAM manages, maintains, and optimizes existing infrastructure, improving underground cable and pipe work to support the airport's electrification goals. This includes integral management and maintenance of Terminal 3, Schiphol Plaza, and several other piers and facilities.

Thermal Energy Storage

Sustainable System Benefits

Schiphol already utilizes thermal energy storage systems in parts of the terminal, most piers, and several offices. This system stores energy underground in the form of heat and cold, significantly contributing to the reduction of CO₂ emissions. Pier E is among the first piers to fully transition to this sustainable energy system.