An innovative new technology is transforming how airports think about renewable energy—by harnessing the power of jet exhaust. At Dallas Love Field, five newly installed JetWind turbine pods are capturing wind generated by departing aircraft and converting it into electricity to help power airport terminals.

Jet exhaust contains a high-velocity stream of hot, pressurized air expelled from aircraft engines during takeoff and taxiing. This powerful airflow can be harnessed to spin specially designed turbines near runways. As the jet blast moves past the turbines, it causes their blades to rotate—similar to how traditional wind turbines work with natural wind. 

The mechanical energy from this rotation drives a generator, which converts the motion into electrical energy. This electricity can then be stored or used to power airport infrastructure. By capturing this otherwise wasted energy, airports can create a renewable power source without altering flight operations. 

The concept behind JetWind was born in an unexpected place: a window seat on a plane in Burbank, Calif. Watching the engines kick up dust and debris, Dallas-based orthopedic surgeon and former Mavericks team doctor T.O. Souryal had a realization—why not harvest this powerful, consistent wind? Years of experimentation led to JetWind, a system designed to turn waste energy from jet engines into usable electrical power.

Currently, the electricity generated is being used to power two device-charging stations inside the terminal, which have already supported over 10,000 personal device charges. It is estimated the system produces enough energy to power the equivalent of 100 homes annually, and the airport plans to expand to 14 stations in the near future.

Interest in JetWind is growing, with more than a dozen airports exploring the technology. Future plans include installing high-speed turbines at the base of runways, where higher wind volumes from takeoffs could further increase power generation.