Brisbane Airport has kicked off 2025 with a bang. From today, Queensland’s main gateway will be powered entirely by renewable-backed electricity, becoming one of Australia’s first airports to achieve net zero emissions (Scope 1 and 2).
This milestone ensures nearly 25 million annual passengers can travel with confidence in Brisbane Airport’s sustainability efforts. Emissions have been cut by 97 per cent through renewable energy from Stanwell, 10MW of onsite solar and electric fleet vehicles.
The remaining 3 per cent is offset via native bush regeneration in southwest Queensland, reinforcing its environmental commitment. Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said the hub was proud of the important achievement.
“As a sustainability leader, we take our role in reducing our impact on the environment very seriously,” de Graaff stated.
“But there is far more work to be done. We know the most significant source of emissions comes from aviation fuel used by our airline partners.
“It’s why we continue to represent all airports on the Australian Jet Zero Council, and support research undertaken at Brisbane Airport by Stralis which is developing a hydrogen-electric aircraft, with a test flight planned for this year.”
De Graaff said today’s announcement means “renewable backed power will operate everything from the systems you use at check-in, baggage conveyors, air conditioning, departure screens, escalators, electric ground services equipment, right through to the runway lights that guide your aircraft safely into the sky”.
Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke said the company’s supply of up to 185 GWh of energy each year to Brisbane Airport represents enough clean energy to offset all of BNE’s operations.
Meanwhile, Queensland Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki said the partnership “demonstrates demand for Queensland’s high-quality renewable energy as we shift to a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy system”.
In December, Adelaide Airport became Australia’s first major airport to reach carbon neutrality.
