Technology addresses critical demand management challenge as European airports face tenfold increase in electrical load.
Amsterdam, 28 October 2025 – O-Hx presented its EnergiVault Cold Thermal Energy Storage (CTES) solution at the launch of Airport Electrification Europe conference at Novotel Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, as the aviation industry tackles unprecedented electrical infrastructure challenges.
The conference, organised by Global Transmission Report, brought together policymakers, airport operators, utilities, and technology providers to address the complex transition toward fully electrified airport operations in alignment with the European Green Deal and EU airports’ commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.
The Tenfold Demand Challenge
Leading European hubs including Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris-CDG, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, and others are making significant investments in electrifying ground support equipment, terminal systems, and airside operations. However, industry experts at the conference highlighted a critical challenge: projected tenfold increases in electrical demand in the coming years.
“What stood out most was the overwhelming electrical demand needed and, more importantly, how to manage this and balance the load,” noted O-Hx representatives. “This is where EnergiVault can add real value as an integral part of airports’ energy management strategies.”
CTES: Managing Peak Loads and Flattening Demand
EnergiVault addresses multiple critical needs in the electrified airport ecosystem:
- Load Balancing: Storing thermal energy during off-peak periods and deploying it during high-demand times, flattening demand curves and reducing peak loads
- Grid Resilience: Enabling more efficient, predictable electrical consumption while integrating renewable energy sources
- Infrastructure Optimisation: Reducing the need for costly grid upgrades by intelligently managing when and how demand occurs
- Sustainable Cooling: Providing essential cooling for terminals and equipment using stored energy rather than continuous electrical consumption
An Integral Solution
The conference underscored that successful airport electrification requires more than charging infrastructure – it demands intelligent energy storage and management. As airports face narrow timelines to implement net-zero infrastructure, technologies like CTES become essential enablers rather than optional components.
“We’re here to help cool the world differently,” the O-Hx team emphasised. “EnergiVault can help balance demand and peaky loads and be an integral part of the electrical ecosystem.”
The Amsterdam event builds on Global Transmission Report’s successful Airport Electrification series in the US, bringing the platform to Europe as the continent accelerates toward its ambitious decarbonisation targets.
