Cochin International Airport to be India's first to run on solar power

Cochin Airport is set to become India’s First Fully Solar-Powered Airport.

Expert Analysis :

• Inauguration Details: CIAL’s 12MWp solar power project will be inaugurated by Kerala CM Oommen Chandy on August 18.

• Project Scale and Location: The plant spans 45 acres near the cargo complex and will generate 50,000–60,000 units of electricity per day.

• Solar Journey Beginnings: CIAL set up solar in March 2013 with a 100kWp rooftop plant on the Arrival Terminal Block.

• Expansion of Capacity: A 1MWp plant was later added across the rooftop and ground at the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar.

• Environmental Impact: These solar installations have saved over 550MT of CO₂ emissions to date.

• Power Sufficiency: The new installation is expected to generate 48,000 units daily, and combined with the existing 1.10MWp output, expected to be sufficient to meet the airport's power needs.