Eaton Transforms Atlanta’s Airport with Smart Energy Infrastructure
Eaton, the intelligent power management company known for its innovative energy solutions, has landed a series of contracts totalling approximately $25 million to overhaul and future-proof the electrical infrastructure at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
This critical project slots directly into ATLNext — the airport’s sweeping $12.8 billion modernisation and expansion programme — aiming to elevate operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and prepare the airport for decades of growth.
And this isn’t just about upgrades. It’s about reimagining how energy flows, is monitored, and maintained within one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs. From terminals to parking lots, every facet of the facility is getting a smart energy makeover, thanks in large part to Eaton’s signature Brightlayer digitalisation platform.
Brightlayer Takes Centre Stage
At the heart of the initiative lies Eaton’s Brightlayer Electrical Power Monitoring System (EPMS), a fully integrated digital layer that pulls real-time insights from thousands of intelligent devices dotted across the airport. The software offers a centralised dashboard capable of proactive alerts, actionable analytics, and predictive maintenance strategies.
In practical terms, Brightlayer means operators won’t just know when something’s gone wrong — they’ll know before it happens. This shift from reactive to proactive energy management is set to be a game changer.
“As one of the world’s busiest airports, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport requires a modern, resilient and intelligent energy ecosystem” said Angie McMillin, President of Energy Solutions and Services at Eaton: “By leveraging our proven power management solutions and collaborative relationship with the customer, we’re confident the project’s comprehensive approach will establish a future-proof electrical foundation to support safe and efficient operations for years to come.”
Behind the Build: What Eaton’s Delivering
Eaton isn’t just shipping over a few boxes of gear and calling it a day. Their contribution encompasses:
-
Critical power distribution components including low- and medium-voltage switchgear, switchboards, panelboards, and transformers to bolster the airport’s electrical muscle.
-
Thermal monitoring and arc flash mitigation systems, providing around-the-clock diagnostics to mitigate risks and ensure ongoing safety.
-
Expert engineering services, smoothing the path from planning to execution with equipment installation, commissioning support, safety studies, and performance optimisation.
-
Local manufacturing right in Atlanta, slashing delivery lead times and helping keep project timelines on track.
This all-hands-on-deck approach demonstrates Eaton’s knack for blending software and hardware into unified, high-impact infrastructure packages.
Why It Matters: The Bigger Picture
Airports aren’t just transportation nodes anymore. They’re sprawling ecosystems powered by complex networks of technology, people, and equipment. Ensuring these systems operate smoothly, safely, and sustainably is no small feat.
For Hartsfield-Jackson, this upgrade isn’t merely a facelift. It’s a foundational shift that promises to:
-
Cut unplanned outages and reduce operational downtime
-
Improve visibility into system health across all facilities
-
Streamline maintenance scheduling with predictive alerts
-
Scale energy use to meet future demands efficiently
The implementation of Brightlayer and smart infrastructure plays directly into ATLNext’s goals of enhancing passenger experience, expanding capacity, and improving sustainability.
Going Green While Going Big
Eaton’s solutions are about more than just staying online — they’re about doing it responsibly. Through the use of intelligent monitoring and energy optimisation, the airport will be able to make more sustainable choices with less waste and better forecasting.
This energy-conscious approach also dovetails with the airport’s electrification of the South Terminal Parking Lot, where more electric vehicle charging infrastructure is expected to be installed. It all contributes to a broader push to shrink the facility’s environmental footprint.
Eaton’s Broader Mission
Founded over a century ago, Eaton has grown into a global leader with a laser focus on solving today’s power management challenges. In 2024, the company pulled in nearly $25 billion in revenue and operates in more than 160 countries.
They serve an expansive range of markets including:
-
Data centres
-
Aerospace
-
Mobility and automotive
-
Industrial and machine building
-
Utilities and commercial sectors
“We make products for the data centre, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets” reads an Eaton statement: “We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power — today and well into the future.”
Their work at Hartsfield-Jackson is a living blueprint for how they turn that philosophy into action.
Setting the Standard for Intelligent Infrastructure
As digitalisation and electrification continue to reshape the way critical infrastructure is built and managed, Eaton’s project at Hartsfield-Jackson may well set a benchmark for other airports around the globe. By embedding smart technology into the bones of the airport, they’re laying the groundwork not just for smarter operations today, but for seamless scalability tomorrow.
In a world that demands resilience, efficiency and sustainability, Eaton’s power solutions are providing a lifeline – and a roadmap – to help complex facilities thrive in the face of fast-paced change.
