Stuttgart Airport Secures €1.5 Million EU Grant to Accelerate 2040 Net-Zero Emission Target

Stuttgart Airport, under the management of Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH (FSG), has solidified its commitment to sustainability by securing a substantial financial injection from the European Union. In February 2026, officials confirmed a grant of approximately 1.5 million euros through the AGENDA consortium. These funds are administered by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), marking a pivotal moment for the airport's green transition and its long-term environmental objectives.

This financial backing serves as a cornerstone for the airport’s ambitious STRzero strategy, which aims to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2040. To achieve this, Stuttgart Airport is contributing a total investment of roughly 5 million euros into the project. A primary focus of this capital is the modernization of ground-level infrastructure, specifically the installation of electrified Pre-Conditioned Air (PCA) systems at terminal parking positions. This technology is designed to replace the use of aircraft Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) while stationary, effectively cutting down both noise pollution and harmful emissions on the tarmac.

The environmental benefits of this transition are significant, with the PCA system alone expected to slash annual CO2 emissions by about 1,500 tons. The STRzero initiative is a vital component of FSG’s comprehensive climate roadmap, which is formally integrated into their "fairport" corporate code of conduct. The airport has already established a rigorous interim target to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 85% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, aligning its operations with the ACI Europe Net-Zero initiative and broader international standards.

Beyond ground infrastructure, the airport is looking toward renewable energy to power its future operations. In collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, Stuttgart Airport has developed an Energy and Climate Master Plan that envisions a tenfold increase in solar power generation by 2040. This decarbonization effort is not a solitary venture; the PCA project is being executed alongside partner airports in Vienna, Milan, Cologne/Bonn, Graz, and Kosice, reflecting a unified European approach to sustainable aviation and shared technological advancement.

Ulrich Heppe, the CEO of Stuttgart Airport, emphasized that the EU funding is essential for making targeted investments in low-emission technologies, thereby validating the STRzero strategy’s feasibility. This effort is complemented by the 'finalise!' project, a German government-funded program dedicated to the total electrification of ground handling services. This includes the introduction of electric refueling trucks, building upon the previous successful transition of passenger buses and baggage tractors to battery-electric power to ensure emission-free apron operations by 2030.

Looking ahead, the PCA installation project is slated for completion by September 2028. This milestone represents a tangible step toward the 2040 net-zero objective and reinforces Stuttgart’s reputation as a leader in European airport sustainability. By integrating advanced technology with strategic international partnerships and local government support, the airport is setting a high standard for the future of the aviation industry in a carbon-neutral world.