Chennai Airport Takes Flight Towards Sustainability, Achieves 100 Per Cent Renewable Energy Target

Chennai International Airport achieved a significant milestone by meeting its entire power requirement through renewable energy sources.

The airport, which handles around 20 million passengers annually, uses a combination of rooftop solar plants, solar energy purchased from firms, and green tariff power from Tamil Nadu Generation And Distribution Corporate Limited (Tangedco)

The use of renewable energy was scaled up from 50 per cent, and now solar power is also used for runway and taxiway lights.

According to an Airports Authority of India (AAI) spokesperson, 59 per cent of the electrical energy used by Chennai Airport is procured through third-party power purchases, 3 per cent is generated by the in-house 1.5MWp rooftop solar plant, and the remaining 38 per cent is procured from Tangedco under green tariff. This is part of the airport's efforts to become fully energy-efficient.

On average, Chennai Airport uses 63,92,675 kWh per month. The airport has converted its terminal fittings to LED lights, and two years ago, it started tapping power from rooftop solar panels installed on the terminal buildings.

Chennai Airport has taken several green steps to reduce emissions, including the use of solar energy at the terminals, LED lights, and efficient air conditioning.

These measures have resulted in a reduction of 2,200 tonnes of carbon emissions per year and energy savings of Rs 10 crore through the use of solar power.

The recently opened integrated terminal has a green rating due to its energy-efficient design, according to the Times Of India report.

Although the AAI had planned to install solar panels on the airport campus, a tender was floated but the project did not take off immediately. There were concerns about whether the panels would interfere with flight operations due to sunlight reflection.

As a result, the authorities explored other options, including purchasing solar power from a third party. However, the airport has now identified parcels of land for the potential installation of solar panels.

Airlines are taking steps to improve their carbon footprint and reduce pollution by switching to electric vehicles.

The introduction of new ground handling agencies is likely to bring in electric vehicles for baggage and aircraft handling, further contributing to the reduction of emissions.

Sustainable Airports

Creating sustainable airports is critical to achieving a more sustainable world. India has made significant contributions in this area.

Cochin International Airport became the world's first 'green airport', earning the Champions of Earth Award-2018, the United Nation's highest environmental honour.

The airport is powered by solar energy, which meets all of its electrical needs.

Following the success of the Cochin International Airport, the Indian government has mandated that every airport in the country generate at least 2 MW of solar energy.