Owais Crawford
Cochin International Airport in Kerala, India, is the first airport in the world to be entirely powered by solar energy. The airport is equipped with 46,000-92,000 solar panels that produce 12 megawatts of power, making it completely energy self-sufficient. The solar power plant generates 50,000 to 100,000 units of electricity per day, powering all operational functions. This innovative project has inspired other airports to follow suit, adopting solar energy to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a greener planet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Airport | Cochin International Airport |
| Location | Kerala, India |
| Operator | Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) |
| Number of Solar Panels | 46,150-92,150 |
| Area Covered | 45-94 acres |
| Daily Electricity Production | 50,000-100,000 units |
| Additional Solar Plants | 8 |
| Hydropower Plants | 1 (4.5 MW Arippara power plant) |
| Agri-voltaic Farm Produce | Yam, Long yard bean, Drumstick, Mountain ginger, Turmeric, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Green Chilli |
| Year of Becoming Solar-powered | 2015 |
| Cost of Project | Rs. 260 Crores (2016) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Cochin International Airport in Kerala, India, is the world's first fully solar-powered airport
- CIAL's solar power plant generates 50,000-60,000 units of electricity daily
- CIAL's solar panels cover 45 acres, with 46,150 panels
- CIAL's solar power project cost around Rs. 260 Crores
- Cochin International Airport has inspired other airports to adopt solar power
Cochin International Airport in Kerala, India, is the world's first fully solar-powered airport
The airport operator, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), has a strong commitment to green energy production and reducing its carbon footprint. CIAL's solar power plant produces 50,000 to 60,000 units of electricity per day for all its operational functions, making the airport power-neutral. In addition to solar power, CIAL has also ventured into hydropower with the commissioning of the 4.5 MW Arippara power plant in November 2021.
Cochin International Airport has been a pioneer in many aspects, including its solar power project, which has inspired other airports to follow suit. The airport is the largest and busiest in Kerala, handling more than 5 million passengers annually. It is also India's first airport to be constructed through a public-private partnership.
CIAL has continued to expand its green energy initiatives, with eight solar plants near the airport premises and a cumulative capacity of 40 MW as of 2022. The company closely monitors the impact of its interventions on society and the environment, adhering to the principles of cost-effectiveness and sustainable development. By using green energy, CIAL contributes to a healthier and greener planet, setting an example for other airports and energy-intensive industries.
Herbs Under Scrutiny: Airport Screening Techniques and Protocols
You may want to see also
Explore related products
CIAL's solar power plant generates 50,000-60,000 units of electricity daily
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) in Kerala, India, is the world's first airport to be fully powered by solar energy. The airport is the largest and busiest in Kerala, handling over 5 million passengers per year.
The CIAL Solar Power Project is a 50-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic power station comprising 92,150 solar panels laid across 94 acres near the international cargo complex. The plant has a daily capacity of 100,000 units of electricity, with a daily output of 50,000-60,000 units, making the airport power-neutral. The plant was installed and commissioned by the India-based Ammini Group and is equipped with a supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA) for remote monitoring.
CIAL's objective was not only to offset airplane-related emissions but also to power the entire airport and its facilities through solar energy. By venturing into green energy production, CIAL aims to reduce its carbon footprint and promote a healthier and greener planet. The airport operator has eight solar plants near the premises, with a cumulative capacity of 40 MW.
CIAL has also expanded its renewable energy initiatives beyond solar power. In July 2021, CIAL adopted modern agri-voltaic practices, utilising 20 acres of land near the cargo terminal for farming vegetables. Additionally, in November 2021, CIAL ventured into hydropower with the commissioning of the 4.5 MW Arippara power plant, a run-of-the-river project with no adverse environmental impact.
CIAL continues to strive for greater energy efficiency and sustainability. The company has decided to double its installed capacity for solar power generation by installing another 10,000 panels to increase its total installed capacity to 26.50 MW.
Paris Airport Shopping: What to Buy and Bring Home
You may want to see also
Explore related products
CIAL's solar panels cover 45 acres, with 46,150 panels
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) in Kerala, India, is the world's first airport to be fully powered by solar energy. CIAL's solar panels cover 45 acres of land near the cargo complex, with 46,150 panels producing between 50,000 and 60,000 units of electricity per day. This is enough to meet all of the airport's operational needs, making it power neutral.
The airport operator has eight plants near the premises, with a cumulative capacity of 40 MW. In addition to solar, CIAL has also ventured into hydropower with a 4.5 MW plant commissioned in November 2021. The company has a strong focus on sustainability and cost-effectiveness, and its interventions have had a positive impact on society and the environment.
CIAL's solar panels were installed in two phases. The first phase began in March 2013, with the installation of a solar plant on the roof of the Arrival Terminal Block. In 2015, CIAL became the first airport in the world to be fully powered by solar energy.
The airport's solar panels cover an area of 45 acres, with each panel measuring 265Wp in capacity. The panels are installed using a terrain-based installation method, where the orientation and tilt of the solar modules depend on the slope and orientation of the land. This method increases land utilisation compared to flat land installations.
CIAL's solar project has had a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project is expected to reduce emissions by 6,813 metric tons per year, which is equivalent to taking 1,434 cars off the road.
Airport Security: Scanning Your ID for Safe Travel
You may want to see also
Explore related products
CIAL's solar power project cost around Rs. 260 Crores
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) in Kerala, India, is the world's first airport to be fully powered by solar energy. The airport is the largest and busiest in Kerala, handling over 5 million passengers per year.
The CIAL Solar Power Project is a 50-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic power station with 46,150 solar panels laid across 45 acres near the cargo complex. The plant was installed and commissioned by the India-based Ammini Group and is valued at around Rs. 260 Crores. It is capable of generating 100,000 units of electricity daily, which is consumed for all the airport's operational functions. This makes the airport power-neutral, as it gives as much power as it produces to the grid and buys back power as needed.
CIAL's objective was to power the entire airport and its allied facilities through solar energy, and by doing so, send a message that a medium-sized airport can become self-sufficient on solar power. The company has always adhered to the ideas of cost-effectiveness and sustainable development, and by using green energy, it hopes to contribute to a healthier and greener planet.
CIAL has been enhancing its green energy production since its first solar project in 2013. In 2021, the company ventured into hydropower with the commissioning of the 4.5 MW Arippara power plant. CIAL has also decided to double its installed capacity for solar power generation by installing another 10,000 panels to generate an additional 2.40 MW of power.
The Mystery Owner of Agua Dulce Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cochin International Airport has inspired other airports to adopt solar power
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) in Kerala, India, is the world's first airport to be fully powered by solar energy. The airport has a 15 MWp solar power plant consisting of 46,150 solar panels spread across 45 acres of land. The solar panels produce an average of 48,000 to 60,000 kW hours of electricity per day, making the airport power-neutral.
CIAL's adoption of solar power has inspired other airports to follow suit. Airports across the globe, from Liberia to New Zealand, have approached Cochin International Airport seeking advice on implementing solar power solutions. Cochin International Airport now provides consultancy services to countries like Ghana to assist in installing solar-powered facilities in their airports.
CIAL's objective was not only to offset airplane-related emissions but also to power the entire airport and its allied facilities through solar energy. The company has always adhered to the principles of cost-effectiveness and sustainable development. By using green energy, CIAL aims to contribute to a healthier and greener planet.
CIAL has been enhancing its green energy production since the inception of its first solar project in 2013. In addition to solar power, CIAL ventured into hydropower in November 2021 with the commissioning of the 4.5 MW Arippara power plant. The company also has eight solar plants near the airport premises with a cumulative capacity of 40 MW. Furthermore, CIAL has installed solar panels on top of its car parking structure, maximizing available land for solar energy generation.
Cochin International Airport has indeed set an example for other airports to embrace solar power, and its experience and expertise in this field are now sought after by airports worldwide.
Understanding the ML Limit: Airport Security and You
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Cochin International Airport in Kerala, India, is the first airport in the world to be fully powered by solar energy.
The airport has between 46,000 and 92,150 solar panels laid across 45 acres of land near the cargo complex.
The solar panels produce between 50,000 and 100,000 units of electricity per day, which is more than enough to run the airport's operations.
