All power requirements of Chennai airport are now met by renewable energy. If reports are to go by, the airport uses a combination of power, generated from rooftop solar plants, solar energy purchased from firms and also by procuring power under green tariff from Tangedco.
The feat has been achieved recently, when the use of renewable energy scaled up from 50%. Solar power is also used for taxiway lights and runways too.
Referring to this, a spokesperson from the Airports Authority of India added that of the electrical energy utilized by Chennai Airport, 59% is solar energy is procured through third-party power purchase, 3% is met through the in-house 1.5MWp roof top solar plant, while the remaining 38% is procured from Tangedco under green tariff.
Reportedly, the airport uses on an average 63,92,675 kwh month, whereas the terminal fittings were converted to LED lights. Two years ago, the airport achieved 50% use of renewable energy when it started to tap power from roof-top solar panels installed on the terminal buildings.
Reports have it that a series of green steps aimed at cutting emissions, including use of solar energy at the terminals, efficient use of air conditioning, and use of LED lights, helped the airport to cut carbon emissions by 2,200 tonnes per year, and save energy of 10 crore through use of solar power.
Moreover, the newly opened integrated terminal has received a green rating due to its energy-efficient design, according to an official statement.
While the AAI initially planned to install solar panels on the airport campus, the project faced delays even after a tender was floated. Concerns were raised about potential reflections from the panels interfering with flight operations.
Consequently, the authorities pursued alternative options, including procuring solar power from third-party sources. However, plans to install solar panels on identified parcels of land within the airport are still being considered.
In an effort to improve their carbon footprint and reduce pollution, airlines have also begun transitioning to electric vehicles.
Source: PTI
