Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is on a mission to greatly expand its solar energy capabilities over the next 5-10 years, as revealed by its Managing Director, S Suhas, in an interview with ETEnergyWorld. CIAL, the world's first airport to be fully powered by solar energy, currently boasts a solar power capacity of 50 MW, supported by seven solar plants, a solar carport, and floating solar panels.

Suhas outlined CIAL's ambitious plan to double its solar power generation capacity in response to anticipated increases in energy demand. "We are focused on doubling our solar capacity within the next decade and are ready to develop new solar production facilities if energy needs grow, possibly in adjacent districts," Suhas stated. This initiative will include the establishment of new solar plants in remote locations, similar to the existing Payyanur plant.

Regarding technological innovations, Suhas emphasized CIAL's exploration of smart grid technologies to enhance energy efficiency and management. "We are closely monitoring advancements in energy storage solutions, geothermal energy, and bioenergy, which could augment our current infrastructure. Our strategy is to evaluate and pilot these technologies to boost CIAL's operational efficiency," he explained.

CIAL's solar power production exceeds its consumption, generating 200,000 units of power daily, thus positioning the airport as a power-positive entity. By April 2024, CIAL had produced 350 million units of power, contributing to a reduction of 28,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions annually.