Chicago O’Hare International Airport has announced the groundbreaking for its first publicly accessible fuel station, a travel plaza designed to expand fueling options for airport visitors while emphasizing sustainability.
Scheduled to open in November, the new travel plaza will include electric vehicle charging stations, a drive-through restaurant and a convenience store. Once operational, the facility will increase O’Hare’s total number of electric vehicle charging stations to 41. Most of the pumps at the plaza will serve alternative fuels, including E85 ethanol.
The project incorporates renewable energy and green building practices. A canopy over the fuel pumps will support 150 solar panels, which are expected to generate significant on-site energy and deliver roughly $100,000 in annual energy savings. The station is also pursuing LEED certification, reflecting a commitment to efficient design and reduced environmental impact.
Jamie L. Rhee, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, described the travel plaza as a model for modern fuel facilities. “The Chicago Department of Aviation is thrilled to break ground on the O’Hare Travel Plaza which is setting the standard for 21st century fuel stations with its sustainable design and impressive selection of alternative fuel sources,” Rhee said. “This forward-thinking multi-fuel station demonstrates the CDA’s ongoing efforts to implement sustainability wherever we can as we continue to build a better, more modern airport for our passengers and the surrounding community.”
By combining electric vehicle chargers, alternative fuel pumps and solar power generation, the O’Hare Travel Plaza aims to meet the diverse needs of travelers and airport employees while reducing the facility’s carbon footprint. The convenience amenities—such as the drive-through restaurant and store—are intended to serve those fueling their vehicles as well as travelers seeking quick, accessible services on site.
As airports and transportation hubs increasingly adopt cleaner energy sources and amenities that support electrified and flexible fuel use, O’Hare’s new travel plaza represents a tangible step toward more sustainable operations. The planned opening in November will mark the availability of a publicly accessible refueling option that balances traditional fuels with growing demand for electric and alternative fuel infrastructure.