UNEP Report: Cochin International Airport As World First Fully Solar Powered Airport

UNEP Report: Cochin International Airport As World First Fully Solar Energy Powered Airport

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has accolade Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) in Kerala as the world first fully solar energy-powered airport.

CIAL is India’s first airport to be constructed in public-private-partnership (PPP) model in 1999. It is the busiest and largest airport in the state of Kerala.

CIAL is the only PPP airport in the country that has handled more than 5 million passengers annually.

CIAL airport has 15 MWp solar power plants near the cargo complex of airport comprising 46,150 solar panels laid across 45 acres.

CIAL airport’s solar power plant generates around 50,000 units of electricity daily. It makes airport absolutely power neutral in terms of energy consumption as it consumes around 50000 to 60000 units of electricity per day. The plant system is without any battery storage as it is directly connected to the grid.

CIAL airport’s green power project does not result in any carbon dioxide emissions. It also produces a clean source of energy equivalent to the non-clean energy produced from coal-fired power plants by burning more than 3 lakh metric tonnes of Coals. This plant is also equivalent to planting 30 lakh trees.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Founded: 1972

Headquarter: Nairobi, Kenya

Role: UNEP acts as catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote the wise use and sustainable development of the global environment.

Working: UNEP works with wide range of partners, including UN entities, international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and civil society.