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

The airport’s solar power plant is capable of producing 50,000 to 60,000 units of electricity per day

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

Kerala'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.

On the other hand, Pakistan is moving to renewable energy sources like solar and wind to address its energy needs.

Read: PM inaugurates 100MW solar plant in Bahawalpur

Earlier this year in May, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the first unit of the Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park, capable of generating 100MW of electricity.

The solar park, spread over an area of 10,000 acres in Bahawalpur district, will produce around 1000 megawatt of electricity upon its completion.