CIAL to open solar power plant in Payyanur with 12 MW capacity
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

CIAL to open solar power plant in Payyanur with 12 MW capacity

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), the world's first airport to run entirely on solar energy, will open a solar power plant in Payyanur with a 12 Megawatts-peak (MWp) capacity.

On March 6, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan would dedicate the Payyanur plant to the country on the solar plant premises at Ettukudukka.

With the commissioning of the Payyanur plant, the cumulative installed capacity of CIAL solar plants has reached 50 MWp. It has seven plants on the airport premises and a solar carport.

S. Suhas, the Managing Director, told the media that the solar power plants of CIAL together would produce two lakh units of power per day, whereas the daily power consumption of the airport is 1.6 lakh units a day.

In 2015, CIAL became the first fully solar-powered airport in the world.

The company launched many new projects to develop infrastructure, and its power needs have also increased over the years.

Suhas said that CIAL is committed to using green energy effectively and sustainable development. This commitment prompted CIAL to set up solar plants and a small hydro-electrical project at Arippara, Kozhikode.

The solar power field is established on 35 acres, where the airport company introduced the concept of the terrain-based installation.

In the terrain-based installation, the geographical characteristics of the area are retained, and no changes were made in the land's gradient. Terrain-based installation improves land utilisation.

CIAL told the media that the land area needed for solar PV installation has been reduced to nearly 2.75 acres/MW compared to 3.75 acres/MW in flat land.

Therefore, the company can accommodate 35% more solar panels, which would help produce more power.

The installed capacity of 50 MWp of green energy decreases carbon footprint by 2,800 metric tonnes per year.

It is equal to the fresh air acquired by planting 46 lakh tree saplings within ten years or by not burning 11.9 million litre of fossil fuel.

Image Source

Also read: Cochin International airport launches hydropower plant

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), the world's first airport to run entirely on solar energy, will open a solar power plant in Payyanur with a 12 Megawatts-peak (MWp) capacity. On March 6, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan would dedicate the Payyanur plant to the country on the solar plant premises at Ettukudukka. With the commissioning of the Payyanur plant, the cumulative installed capacity of CIAL solar plants has reached 50 MWp. It has seven plants on the airport premises and a solar carport. S. Suhas, the Managing Director, told the media that the solar power plants of CIAL together would produce two lakh units of power per day, whereas the daily power consumption of the airport is 1.6 lakh units a day. In 2015, CIAL became the first fully solar-powered airport in the world. The company launched many new projects to develop infrastructure, and its power needs have also increased over the years. Suhas said that CIAL is committed to using green energy effectively and sustainable development. This commitment prompted CIAL to set up solar plants and a small hydro-electrical project at Arippara, Kozhikode. The solar power field is established on 35 acres, where the airport company introduced the concept of the terrain-based installation. In the terrain-based installation, the geographical characteristics of the area are retained, and no changes were made in the land's gradient. Terrain-based installation improves land utilisation. CIAL told the media that the land area needed for solar PV installation has been reduced to nearly 2.75 acres/MW compared to 3.75 acres/MW in flat land. Therefore, the company can accommodate 35% more solar panels, which would help produce more power. The installed capacity of 50 MWp of green energy decreases carbon footprint by 2,800 metric tonnes per year. It is equal to the fresh air acquired by planting 46 lakh tree saplings within ten years or by not burning 11.9 million litre of fossil fuel. Image Source Also read: Cochin International airport launches hydropower plant

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Maharashtra Clears Green Power Use For Data Centres

In a major policy boost for India’s expanding digital infrastructure, the Maharashtra government has approved a plan allowing data centres in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and surrounding regions to generate and distribute their own renewable energy. The state energy department issued an order enabling data centre parks and individual units, recognised by the industries department, to set up captive power generation and distribution facilities. The permission applies exclusively to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or hydro power. Industry experts have hailed the decision as tran..

Next Story
Real Estate

GHMC Launches Drive To Boost Property Tax Revenue

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has launched a special campaign to enhance property tax revenue from non-residential and commercial properties by reassessing their total built-up area. Any discrepancies identified during inspections will trigger immediate revision of both property tax and trade licence fees, officials said. The initial phase of the drive focuses on shopping malls across Hyderabad, with over 300 such establishments identified in the twin cities. After the mall inspections, GHMC will extend the verification process to other non-residential properties, includi..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Cholamandalam To Raise Rs 10 Billion Via NCD Issue

Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company has invited bids to raise up to Rs 10 billion through secured non-convertible debentures (NCDs) maturing on 14 October 2030, offering a coupon rate of 7.58 per cent. The NCD issue, announced on Monday, comes at a time when corporate bond activity — which saw strong momentum in the first quarter of FY26 — has slowed during the second quarter owing to rising borrowing costs. However, market analysts anticipate a rebound in the coming months as easing bond yields could reignite investor appetite for corporate debt instruments. The company’s fu..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?