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Australia: Fortescue Dave Forrest Airport Goes Green with S4GA Solar Airfield Lighting System

Fortescue logoFortescue is a green technology, energy and metals company, that operates three mining hubs in the Pilbara, Western Australia. As part of the Company’s commitment to decarbonising its Australian iron ore operations by 2030, they have upgraded the mining airstrip at Fortescue Dave Forrest Airport with a sustainable solar-powered airfield lighting system. This initiative marks a significant step toward creating an environmentally responsible and energy-efficient operational environment.

Fortescue Cloudbreak Dave Forrest Airport with S4GA Solar Runway Lighting

Challenge: Transitioning to a Sustainable Solution

One of the key challenges the Company faced was replacing their outdated, wired airfield lighting system. The previous system not only incurred high operational costs but also posed safety risks and environmental concerns due to heavy reliance on diesel power.

Fortescue’s objectives were clear:

  • Reducing power consumption and diesel usage to lower operational costs and environmental impact.
  • Improving safety by removing electrical cables, thus minimising the risk of electrical hazards.
  • Adopting a sustainable solution that aligns with their operational needs and decarbonization goals.

Why Solar Airfield Lighting?

In line with the vision of a greener future, the Company sought an innovative, sustainable solution. Traditional lighting systems powered by diesel generators were contradicted their environmental objectives. Therefore, transitioning to solar-powered airfield lighting was a natural choice.

S4GA Solar Airfield Lighting Systems are designed to operate independently from the electrical grid, powered entirely by renewable energy. This eliminates the need for high-voltage cables and significantly reduces power consumption. Such systems offer reliability, cost-efficiency, and contribute to reducing carbon emissions – a perfect fit for sustainability targets.

SOLAR AIRFIELD LIGHTING AT Fortescue Dave Forrest Airport – Photos

The S4GA Solution: Advanced Solar Airfield Lighting

S4GA, a global provider of solar airfield lighting solutions, delivered a fully customized system designed to meet Fortescue’s unique operational requirements. In partnership with Aerodrome Management Services (AMS), the system was supplied, installed, and commissioned to ensure a seamless transition from the outdated diesel-powered system to a fully solar solution.

Key Features of the Solution:

  • Solar-Powered Lighting System: S4GA installed 120 solar-powered lights, including runway edge lights, taxiway lights, and threshold end lights. This conversion resulted in a 20% reduction in both power usage and diesel consumption, directly supporting Fortescue’s commitment to sustainability.
  • Enhanced Safety: The solar system integrates solar panels with built-in battery storage, completely eliminating the need for dangerous high-voltage cables. This upgrade significantly reduces electrical hazards and enhances overall airfield safety, which is crucial for an active mining operation.
  • Reliable, Independent Power: The solar-powered lights provide consistent, reliable illumination without the need for external power sources. This ensures uninterrupted airstrip operations, even in the remote Pilbara region, where power reliability can be a challenge.
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Australia

Application

Solar LED Airfield Lighting

Date

2024