An airport called Cochin International Airport has become the third busiest airport in India, but now it’s also the world’s first airport to run completely on solar energy.
Jumpstart Green Travel
The airport has been focused on sustainability for a long time. It began experimenting with solar panels in 2013 when it had a solar plant installed on the rooftop of the airport’s Arrival Terminal Block. But now its green development has taken flight in a more serious way, with the installation of almost 50,000 solar panels in close proximity to the airport’s cargo area so it can supply up to 60,000 units of electricity to the airport every day. This project was established by a German engineering company called Bosch for about $9.5 million.
By the year 2040, this project will prevent carbon dioxide emissions to the equivalent of planting 3 million trees!
Chasing the Sun
The benefit is not just about having eco energy on a daily basis at the airport, but also includes long-term bonuses. By the year 2040, this project will prevent carbon dioxide emissions to the equivalent of planting 3 million trees! There will also be benefits for the rest of the country. Cochin is going to be producing more energy than it will use, so it will be sending some of that excess power into the state’s power grid. Solar power is the way to go and the whole country is focused on this initiative in a big way, with The Narendra Modi government wanting to boost the country’s solar power capacity from its current 4GW to 100GW within the next seven years. Since the country absorbs up to 5,000 ton kWh of solar radiation every year, this is a great way to use a natural resource instead of letting it go to waste.
Cochin Airport is a wonderful example to the rest of the world and sustainable airports can help you make your jet-setting even greener.
Image credit: Flickr Creative Commons
