Indian airport becomes world’s first to operate on solar power

[Thunder Bolt]

The airport’s solar power plant, comprised of over 46,000 solar panels spread over 45 acres of land near its cargo complex, is capable of producing 50,000 to 60,000 units of electricity per day. PHOTO COURTESY: CIAL

Cochin International Airport in the Indian state of Kerela has become the first ever airport in the world to operate entirely on solar power.

Kerela’s Chief Minister Oommen Chandy inaugurated the 12 MWp solar power plant on Tuesday.

According to a statement released by the parent company Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), the airport’s solar power plant, comprised over 46,000 solar panels spread over 45 acres of land near its cargo complex, is capable of producing 50,000 to 60,000 units of electricity per day.

PHOTO COURTESY: Cochin International Airport Limited

Talking to BBC Urdu, CIAL Director ACK Nayyar said the airport needs approximately 50,000 units of electricity per day, which it will now fulfill by using solar power.

The company claims that it’s reliance on solar makes the airport ‘absolutely power neutral’.

The company claims that the airport’s reliance on the solar makes it the ‘absolutely power neutral’. PHOTO COURTESY: Cochin International Airport Limited

The airport started its transition to renewable energy in March 2013, when it installed a 100 kWp solar plant on the roof top of its arrival terminal block. However, the move to completely rely on solar power is a significant step.

 

[Gauss]

Good news. All low power installations in sunny regions should switch to solar power.

 

[I M Sikander]

The airport can not operate completly on solar. There must be alternate supply arrangements i am sure.

 

[Super Falcon]

The airport can not operate completly on solar. There must be alternate supply arrangements i am sure.

Agreed if weather remains cloud covered for a week it has to switch to other alternates

 

[nair]

The airport can not operate completly on solar. There must be alternate supply arrangements i am sure.

The air port was operating on normal power supply until now, and this is not a new air port either. They just installed solar power to run their operation, they have other resources on back up if needed