Cochin International Airport to double installed solar capacity in next 5-10 yrs: S Suhas, MD

Cochin International Airport Ltd Set To Double Installed Solar Capacity In the Next 5-10 Years.

Expert Analysis:

• Current Capacity and Plans:

  • Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is the world's first fully solar-powered airport with seven solar plants, a solar carport, and floating solar panels; it has an installed capacity of 50 MW at present.

  • Plans to double the solar capacity within the next 5-10 years.

  • Managing Director S Suhas of the Payyanur plant told ETEnergyWorld that new solar plants will be installed in remote locations, similar to those at the Payyanur plant.

• Investment and Funding:

  • The investment for scaling up solar capacity will be substantial investment sourced from a combination of internal funds and green energy subsidies.

• Hydroelectric Projects:

  • Plans venturing into hydroelectric power with a commissioned run-of-the-river project in Arippara.

  • Identification of new suitable locations for further hydroelectric projects is ongoing.

• Green Hydrogen Plant:

  • Signed MoU with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) for a 1,000 kW green hydrogen plant at Kochi Airport.

  • BPCL will invest Rs 30 crore for technology, infrastructure, and operations.

  • CIAL will provide land, water, and green energy for the plant.

  • Completion of the green hydrogen plant is expected by early 2025.

• Emerging Technologies:

  • Exploring smart grid technologies, energy storage solutions, geothermal energy, and bioenergy.

• Energy Production and Environmental Impact:

  • CIAL currently produces 200,000 units of power daily, exceeding the airport's needs, making it power positive.

  • It generated 35 crore units of power by April 2024, cutting carbon emissions by 28,000 metric tonnes annually.