CIAL generates 312 million units of solar power, cuts two lakh tonnes of emissions

Cochin International Airport Ltd generates 312 million units of solar power, cuts two lakh tonnes of emissions. 

• Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) also plans to achieve total green status in airport operations by setting up effluent treatment plant facilities.

• The airport authority plans on setting up a pilot-size green hydrogen plant in collaboration with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) on CIAL’s land & use solar power.

• Mr. Pai, deputy general manager of the company, recalled that in 2012, power tariff for CIAL went up from ₹4 a unit to ₹7.

• The company made its first entry into solar power in 2013 with a 100 KWp solar PV plant on top of the international arrival block along with several other plants, totaling to ₹62 crore investment in the venture in 2015.

• Later, the company also introduced agri photovoltaics to optimize land use with farming. This system cools solar panels, prevents weed growth, recycles panel cleaning water for irrigation, yields safe-to-eat vegetables, and generates revenue.