Kochi: The Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), which set an example for the rest of the world by becoming the first 'Green Airport' by tapping solar power to meet its energy requirements, has drawn up plans to install solar panels at its parking zone.
Apart from keeping energy costs to a minimum by generating environmental-friendly solar power, the proposed Grid Connected Solar Carport System will provide shaded parking for users free of cost.
CIAL is hoping to generate 2.4 mw solar energy by installing solar systems on the rooftop of the parking lot at the airport. It has already floated tenders inviting bids from companies for implementing the project which estimated to cost Rs 20 crore.
The project envisages construction of a parking area in front of the new international terminal (T3) at the airport which will have space for around 5,000 cars at a time. The work is expected to be completed in six months.
The proposed parking zone will be established by joining the existing parking lot in front of the international terminal and the vacant space in front T 3, said officials. The new carport parking area alone can accommodate over 2,500 cars at a time.
The initiative is aimed at generating power that could meet a substantial portion of the electricity requirements of the airport. Apart from achieving self-sufficiency, the company is looking forward to emerge as a key player in the State’s renewable energy generation sector. To achieve this target, a subsidiary called CIAL Infrastructure Limited has already been created.
CIAL has undertaken several projects, to be implemented at a cost of Rs 500 crore, with an aim to produce 76 mw solar power.
All of the CIAL’s solar power projects worth Rs 125 crore is expected to generate 24 mw power.
Apart from retaining its unique status as a fully solar energy-powered airport where a solar component could be added to every new project, CIAL is also aiming at diversification of production methods. The company is also hoping to double its solar energy generation capacity from the existing 12 mw this year itself. It will also explore all available options to erect solar panels and produce more electricity at the airport.
At present, CILA produces 12 mw of solar from panels erected on area of 45 acres alongside the cargo complex. The project to generate an additional 6 MW power by installing more panels would in the remaining space and atop the building housing hanger is nearing completion.
A project for generating another 6 mw through panels to be installed over the irrigation canal near the airport is also on the anvil. A Hyderabad-based company has been awarded the contract to install 2,400 panels over the canal.
CIAl has also charted out plans to implement ‘canal-top power projects’ across the State. A study conducted by the company revealed that there are over 1,800-km-long irrigation canal in Palakkad district alone where such power projects could be implemented.
Anticipating its rising energy needs, CIAL is now focused on introducing sun tracking solar panels, that can change positions in accordance with the sun’s movement, instead of the existing stationary solar panels.
