Dublin Airport has commissioned Ireland's first pantograph charging infrastructure for electric buses following a €17 million investment aimed at supporting zero-emission public transport and accelerating the airport's long-term decarbonisation strategy.

The new high-power charging system will support a fleet of 14 fully electric shuttle buses operated by Aircoach, providing fast and automated charging for the airport's passenger transfer services between terminals and car parks.

The investment forms part of Dublin Airport's wider Dublin Airport Campus Electrification (DACE) programme, which is focused on expanding electric vehicle infrastructure and reducing operational carbon emissions.

First Pantograph Charging System in Ireland

Pantograph charging is an automated high-power charging solution designed for high-frequency electric bus operations.

Unlike conventional depot charging, the system allows buses to recharge rapidly at designated route endpoints using automated overhead charging arms, reducing downtime while improving fleet availability and operational efficiency.

The new infrastructure is expected to support approximately 2.5 million passengers annually who use Dublin Airport's shuttle bus services.

A dedicated seven-bay depot charging facility has also been installed to provide overnight charging and operational backup for the electric fleet.

Supporting Airport Decarbonisation

The €17 million programme includes significant electrical infrastructure upgrades required to support the new charging technology.

Part of the investment has been supported through a €4.7 million grant from the European Commission under the Connecting Europe Facility – Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (CEF AFIF).

Separately, Aircoach has invested €11 million in the new electric shuttle bus fleet replacing conventional diesel vehicles.

According to Dublin Airport, the transition is expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 1,470 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually, contributing to the airport's wider sustainability and carbon reduction targets.

Part of a Wider Campus Electrification Strategy

The deployment of pantograph charging forms part of a broader programme to modernise airport infrastructure through cleaner transport technologies.

Dublin Airport continues investing in:

• Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
• Low-emission operational fleets
• LED lighting upgrades
• Fixed electrical ground power for aircraft
• Renewable energy initiatives
• Sustainable airport transport solutions

The airport is also supporting wider public transport projects, including MetroLink and BusConnects, to improve sustainable passenger connectivity.

Future Opportunities Across Electric Mobility Supply Chains

The investment highlights growing opportunities for suppliers involved in:

• Electric bus charging infrastructure
• Pantograph charging systems
• EV charging technologies
• Electrical distribution infrastructure
• Grid and power upgrades
• Smart energy management systems
• Electric bus manufacturing
• Sustainable airport infrastructure
• Transport electrification
• Low-carbon mobility solutions

As airports and transport authorities continue investing in zero-emission mobility, projects such as Dublin Airport's electrification programme demonstrate the increasing demand for advanced charging technologies, electrical infrastructure, and sustainable transport solutions across Europe.

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