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CIAL Solar Power Project
CIAL Solar Power Project
from Wikipedia

The CIAL Solar Power Project is a 50 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic power station built at Cochin International Airport, India, by the company Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL). Cochin International Airport became the first fully solar powered airport in the world with the commissioning the plant.[1]

Key Information

Overview

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The plant comprises 92,150 solar panels laid across 94 acres near the international cargo complex. The plant has been installed and commissioned by the India-based Ammini Group. It is capable of generating 100,000 units of electricity daily, and is equipped with a supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA), through which remote monitoring is carried out and the project valued around Rs. 260 Crores (2016). The project components include PV modules of 265Wp capacity manufactured by Ammini Solar, and inverters of 1MW capacity manufactured by ABB[2] It is coupled with a 2.1 MW solar plant that was commissioned in 2013. This plant was installed by Ammini Solar Private Limited. 8000 numbers of monocrystalline modules of 250Wp with thirty three numbers of 60 kW capacity Delta make string inverters were used in this plant, which is the first Megawatt scale installation of Solar PV system in the State of Kerala.[3]

The plant system is without any battery storage as it is directly connected to the KSEB grid. CIAL gives as much power as it produces (during the day time) to the grid, and buys back the power from them as needed, especially at night.

Expansion

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CIAL has decided to double the installed capacity of solar power generation. Another 10,000 panels would be installed in the remaining space to generate an additional 2.40 MW power. Panels to be installed atop the building and the new park would help generate 4 MW and another 7 MW through panels to be installed over the three km-long irrigation canal would take the total installed capacity to 26.50 MW. On 12 December 2020 a 5.1 MW Solar Carport was inaugurated along with the revamped T2 terminal, making it the largest solar carport in an airport. This addition also took the total capacity to 80 MW.[4]

Environmental impact

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This green power project will not result in any carbon dioxide emissions over the next 25 years. It will produce a clean source of energy equivalent to energy produced from coal-fired power plants burning more than 3 lakh metric tonnes of coal. This plant also provides a carbon offset equivalent of planting 30 lakh trees.[5] CIAL sets an example by effectively utilizing the buffer zone area.[6]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The CIAL Solar Power Project is a comprehensive initiative developed by Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) at in , , , encompassing multiple photovoltaic installations with a total capacity of 50 megawatts peak (MWp) as of 2024. It marked a pioneering achievement in 2015 when the airport became the world's first to be fully powered by , generating sufficient to meet its operational needs and surplus for the state grid. The project integrates diverse solar technologies, including rooftop, ground-mounted, , canal-top, and floating panels, across airport premises and external sites, contributing to CIAL's status as the second-largest power producer in among public sector undertakings when combined with its 4.5 MW hydroelectric facility. Initiated in November 2013 with a 100 kWp pilot installation, the project rapidly expanded through phased developments. Key milestones include the commissioning of a 12 MWp ground-mounted plant in August 2015 on 45 acres near the terminal, enabling full solar self-sufficiency; subsequent additions such as 2.4 MWp in May 2016, 3 MWp on the hangar in 2017, and a 2.7 MWp carport in July 2017 in front of the international terminal. Phase III expansions from 2019 to 2020 added 9.8 MWp, featuring 2.6 MWp carports and 7.2 MWp across multiple sites, including a 0.5 MWp array; an off-site 12 MWp terrain-based plant in Payyannur was completed in 2022. A 6 MWp canal-top installation, originally on the Chengalthodu in 2018, was relocated in May 2020 opposite the Trade Fair Centre. These facilities collectively produce an average of 156,000 units daily, with power sold to CIAL under long-term purchase agreements. The project's environmental and economic impacts are significant, having generated over 350 million units of green as of April 2024, including 7.5 million from the hydroelectric component. It has reduced CIAL's by 160,000 metric tonnes cumulatively and 28,000 metric tonnes annually, while supporting agro-photovoltaic initiatives that yield 90 metric tonnes of pesticide-free vegetables yearly. As a surplus producer, it feeds approximately 40 million units annually to the grid, bolstering regional infrastructure. Looking ahead, CIAL plans to double its solar capacity to 100 MWp within 5-10 years through new installations in remote areas like Payyannur, funded by internal resources and government subsidies for green energy. Additional initiatives include expanding hydroelectric projects, launching a pilot with Corporation Limited in 2025, and integrating smart grids and technologies to enhance efficiency.

Background and Initiation

Airport Context

Cochin International Airport (CIAL), located in , , , is the country's first developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Opened on May 25, 1999, it serves as a major international gateway, handling over 11 million passengers in the fiscal year 2024-25, marking a significant increase from previous years and reflecting its growing role in regional aviation. The airport is situated at coordinates 10°09′13″N 76°24′25″E in , approximately 25 kilometers northeast of city center, spanning about 1,300 acres of land. Its infrastructure includes three terminals—a domestic terminal (T1), an international terminal (T3), and a terminal (T2)—along with a dedicated terminal covering 50 acres. The facility features a single measuring 3,450 meters in length, supporting a peak-hour handling capacity of 8,000 across its terminals, and is connected to major for enhanced accessibility. These elements underscore CIAL's operational scale and its position as a vital hub for both domestic and international flights. CIAL's energy demands for , , baggage handling, and other operations are substantial, with daily consumption historically averaging around 50,000 kilowatt-hours, necessitating reliable and sustainable power solutions. This effort highlights CIAL's commitment to green energy amid Kerala's , characterized by high averaging 5 to 5.5 kWh/m²/day, which supports the feasibility of solar-based projects despite seasonal monsoons.

Project Conception

The CIAL Solar Power Project was conceived in 2013 amid India's , launched in 2010 to promote large-scale solar deployment, and Kerala's Solar Energy Policy of 2013, which incentivized grid-connected solar installations to boost renewable capacity in the state. These national and state initiatives aligned with CIAL's motivations to counter rising electricity tariffs—escalating from Rs. 4 to Rs. 7 per unit for airports—and advance sustainability goals by reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based grid power. Key stakeholders included the CIAL board, led by Managing Director V.J. Kurian, along with technical partners for installation and the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) for regulatory approvals on grid connectivity and power purchase agreements. Planning began with a 100 kWp pilot rooftop installation in March 2013 to test photovoltaic performance, followed by a 1 MWp plant in November 2013. A subsequent feasibility assessment in 2014 evaluated 45 acres of unused land near the cargo complex for a larger grid-tied array, opting for no battery storage to prioritize cost-effectiveness and direct integration with the airport's operations and the KSEB grid. Initial cost estimates for the flagship 12 MWp phase totaled approximately Rs. 62 crores, funded through CIAL's internal revenues and operational profits, reflecting the company's self-sustaining financial model without external grants. The project was publicly announced in 2015 as a cornerstone of CIAL's vision to become a green airport, with the goal of achieving self-sufficiency for all operations, including , , and passenger facilities. This milestone commissioning on August 18, 2015, marked CIAL as the world's first fully solar-powered .

Development and Expansion

Initial Phase

The CIAL Solar Power Project began with a 1 MWp pilot solar photovoltaic (PV) installation in November 2013, Kerala's first megawatt-scale solar plant, partly on the ground and rooftop at the Airport Museum, hangar, and aviation academy. This was followed by the major early expansion: a 12 MWp ground-mounted PV plant, marking a pivotal step toward making the world's first fully solar-powered airport. Groundbreaking for the 12 MWp plant occurred earlier in 2015, with construction completed within six months through a global tender process. The project was driven by India's national solar initiatives, including the National Solar Mission, which aimed to promote large-scale adoption. The 12 MWp installation utilized 46,150 solar panels spread across 45 acres adjacent to the airport's cargo complex, employing flat-panel PV arrays with fixed-tilt mounting optimized at approximately 10-15° to align with Kerala's for maximum solar capture. Bosch Ltd served as the (EPC) contractor, overseeing the rapid deployment without battery storage and integrating the system via direct grid connection through 11 kV feeders to supply the airport's daytime electricity needs. This setup was designed to cover 100% of the facility's average daily consumption of around 48,000 units, eliminating reliance on conventional grid power from the outset. Commissioning took place on August 18, 2015, inaugurated by , who highlighted the project's role in sustainable . On its first operational day, the plant generated approximately 48,000 units of electricity, enabling the airport to operate entirely on and achieving immediate energy self-sufficiency for its 24/7 demands during peak sunlight hours, which accounted for 70-80% of total usage. This milestone not only offset the airport's annual power costs but also positioned CIAL as a global leader in .

Capacity Growth

Following the 12 MWp installation in 2015, the CIAL Solar Power Project underwent phased expansions. Between 2016 and 2018, additions included 2.4 MWp ground-mounted in May 2016, 5 MWp (3 MWp on the aircraft maintenance hangar and 2 MWp southern side) in March 2017, 2.7 MWp carport in July 2017, and 6 MWp canal-top in March 2018 (relocated in May 2020), increasing the total capacity to approximately 29 MWp by the end of 2018. These expansions were approved under wheeling agreements with the (KSEB), allowing excess power to be fed into . Phase III from 2019 to 2020 added approximately 9.8 MWp, including 2.6 MWp carports in July 2019, 6.7 MWp across multiple sites in September 2019, and a 0.5 MWp floating array in January 2020. In December 2020, a 5.1 MWp solar carport over parking areas was commissioned, elevating the total capacity to around 45 MWp and establishing the world's largest airport solar carport at the time. This addition was funded through revenues from power sales, enabling self-sustained growth without external financing. A key off-site expansion was the 11.6 MWp ground-mounted plant in Payyannur, completed in November 2021. As of 2025, the total capacity stands at 50 MWp, with no major additional installations reported since 2021. These phases proceeded without significant delays, even amid seasonal monsoons, supported by ongoing KSEB wheeling approvals. The expansions have resulted in over 92,150 solar panels across the airport premises as of 2021, with further panels added since.

Technical Specifications

Solar Infrastructure

The solar infrastructure of the CIAL Solar Power Project encompasses a multifaceted layout distributed across the Cochin International Airport premises, designed to maximize land utilization while adhering to aviation safety standards. The core component is a 45-acre ground-mounted array located adjacent to the international cargo terminal, housing the majority of the photovoltaic modules in a fixed-tilt, south-facing configuration to optimize solar capture in Kerala's tropical climate. This main array, commissioned as part of the initial 12 MWp phase, integrates seamlessly with the airport's operational footprint, ensuring no interference with runway visibility or aircraft movements in compliance with Directorate General of (DGCA) guidelines on glare hazards. Complementing the ground array are rooftop installations spanning terminals, hangars, and ancillary buildings, covering 20 acres to leverage underutilized vertical spaces without compromising structural integrity. These include a 1 MWp system partially on the aircraft maintenance hangar and aviation academy rooftops, alongside a dedicated 3 MWp setup on the maintenance hangar, utilizing polycrystalline and monocrystalline modules for efficient energy conversion. Additionally, carport structures shade parking areas across approximately 5 acres (20,000 square meters), with a 2.7 MWp installation in front of the international terminal and further expansions to 2.6 MWp at Terminal 1 and cargo parking, providing dual benefits of power generation and vehicle protection. The project also features a 6 MWp canal-top installation, originally commissioned in March 2018 on the Chengalthodu and relocated in May 2020 opposite the Trade Fair Centre. A notable innovation is the component on water bodies, covering 1 acre on a at the airport , a 0.45 MWp installation commissioned in 2020 and utilizing platforms from Ciel & Terre's Hydrelio technology for enhanced cooling and savings. The overall site spans 94 acres in total, incorporating 92,150 modules, including examples like 540 W polycrystalline panels from for select installations. Ground-mounted arrays employ robust racks for stability in the humid environment, while the entire setup features automated cleaning mechanisms to mitigate dust accumulation and bird droppings, ensuring sustained performance.

Energy Systems

The energy systems of the CIAL Solar Power Project are designed to efficiently convert and manage the (DC) electricity generated by the photovoltaic arrays into usable (AC) power. Central to this process are ABB inverters, which perform the DC-to-AC conversion with high efficiency rates exceeding 98%, enabling reliable power output for the airport's operations. These inverters incorporate (MPPT) algorithms to optimize energy harvest by dynamically adjusting to varying and panel temperatures, ensuring maximal performance without systems in place. Grid integration is achieved through a connection to the (KSEB) network under long-term power purchase agreements, allowing surplus to offset the airport's consumption and contribute to the local grid. The system employs step-up transformers to elevate the voltage for seamless synchronization, alongside a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for real-time oversight of power flow and system health. Monitoring is enhanced by (IoT) sensors that track key parameters such as and ambient temperature, facilitating proactive management and minimal downtime. The absence of battery storage means the system focuses on direct grid feed-in, particularly providing peak shaving during high-demand hours from approximately 10 AM to 4 PM when solar generation aligns with airport load peaks. The overall energy infrastructure is engineered for a 25-year operational lifespan, with photovoltaic modules and components selected to withstand environmental stresses typical of the coastal region. Annual performance degradation is estimated at 0.5-0.8%, a rate consistent with industry standards for panels under optimal maintenance, ensuring sustained output over the project's duration. This design prioritizes longevity and reliability, supporting the airport's power-positive status without reliance on backups.

Operations and Performance

Generation Metrics

The CIAL Solar Power Project, with a current installed capacity of 50 MWp, generates an annual output of approximately 72-80 million kWh, reflecting a factor (CUF) of 16-18% influenced by seasonal monsoons in . This performance aligns with early operational data from the initial 12 MWp phase, which achieved a CUF of 20.12% and an annual yield of 17,611 MWh. In its first year following the commissioning of the 12 MWp installation in 2015, the project produced around 16 million kWh, establishing a baseline for subsequent expansions. These expansions have increased daily generation to align with the annual average of approximately 197,000-219,000 kWh, contributing to the overall reliability of the system. The project's photovoltaic panels operate at an efficiency of 18-20%, with overall system losses kept below 5% due to minimized inverter and cabling inefficiencies, resulting in an average performance ratio of 86.12%. From 2015 to 2025, cumulative generation has reached approximately 436 million kWh as of March 2025, demonstrating steady improvements through regular cleaning, , and phased capacity additions, with annual downtime maintained under 1%. Surplus generation, typically 20-40 million kWh per year beyond airport needs, is sold to the (KSEB) at rates around ₹2.69 per unit, supporting grid stability and revenue generation.

Integration with Airport

The generated by the CIAL Solar Power Project is integrated into the airport's electrical system to meet a significant portion of its operational demands, particularly during daylight hours. The system covers 90-100% of daytime energy needs for critical functions such as lighting, (HVAC), and baggage handling systems, ensuring seamless support for passenger and cargo activities. Nighttime requirements are supplemented by power from the grid and the airport's 4.5 MW hydroelectric project at Arippara, maintaining overall reliability without reliance on fossil fuels. Operationally, the setup includes dedicated feeders that deliver directly to the terminals and other facilities, with automatic switching mechanisms that activate during periods of low solar output, such as cloudy weather, to draw from backup sources instantaneously. This configuration has contributed to zero blackouts at the airport since the project's full commissioning in , enhancing the dependability of services. The daily generation cycle peaks between 8 AM and 6 PM, aligning closely with the airport's highest flight activity periods, which has reduced the use of diesel generators by 95% and minimized operational disruptions. This integration has enabled non-aeronautical areas of the airport, such as administrative buildings and maintenance facilities, to achieve zero-energy status, where fully offsets their consumption. The hydroelectric backup ensures 100% green power coverage, combining with solar to provide a robust, profile for the entire facility.

Impacts and Benefits

Environmental Effects

The CIAL Solar Power Project significantly reduces emissions by avoiding approximately 27,000 metric tons annually through its generation (as of FY 2024-25), equivalent to displacing fossil fuel-based that would otherwise contribute to the grid's . Cumulative CO2 reductions reached 160,000 metric tons as of 2024. For the initial 12 MWp installation, the projected 25-year operational lifespan translates to approximately 300,000 metric tons of CO2 savings, comparable to the achieved by planting 3 million trees. These reductions fully offset the airport's Scope 2 emissions, which arise from purchased , enabling to achieve net-zero operational power consumption from non-renewable sources. The project also supports Kerala's ambitions, contributing toward the state's renewable purchase obligation targets that aim for substantial integration of clean power, including up to 40 MU annually in aligned sectors. In terms of , the project's incorporation of photovoltaic arrays on reservoirs within the airport premises reduces by up to 70%, a benefit derived from the body and limiting exposure to and . Overall, the installation requires 20% less than conventional ground-mounted solar plants, primarily due to minimized panel cleaning needs and the evaporative cooling provided by the floating configuration, which enhances system efficiency while preserving local . The project promotes by utilizing unused land for ground-mounted panels, thereby avoiding any or disruption in surrounding ecosystems. Bird-friendly designs, including elevated panel structures and avoidance of reflective hazards, were informed by a 2018 environmental study on solar installations near sites, ensuring minimal impact on local avian populations. A pre-installation conducted in 2015 confirmed the project's zero direct emissions profile and potential to mitigate effects through distributed shading and reduced reliance on heat-intensive power generation. Subsequent expansions have proportionally increased these environmental benefits, scaling savings with added capacity.

Economic and Social Outcomes

The CIAL Solar Power Project has demonstrated strong financial viability, with the initial 12 MWp installation achieving a of under six years through significant reductions in energy procurement costs. Previously, the airport's daily power expenses reached approximately ₹4 lakh at ₹8.30 per unit from the (KSEB), but the solar plant's generation of around 50,000 kWh per day has offset these costs, resulting in annual savings of about ₹40 crores. By 2024-25, the project's cumulative output reached approximately 436 million kWh, generating from power sales and supplying additional value to CIAL operations, further enhancing financial returns via avoided purchases and grid sales under arrangements. The project has also created direct employment opportunities, particularly during construction and ongoing maintenance, including dedicated roles for one family member from each household displaced by land acquisition for the 45-acre site. A maintenance contract with Bosch Limited ensures sustained local involvement in operations, supporting technical jobs in solar panel upkeep and system monitoring. While exact figures vary, these initiatives have integrated local labor into the sector, aligning with broader efforts to build a skilled in . Socially, the project has fostered through resettlement measures, allocating 53 acres for a residential colony providing six cents of land per affected family, alongside the formation of the Cochin Taxi Operators Society to secure income sources for displaced residents. Surplus power generation, exceeding needs, is wheeled into the KSEBL grid, indirectly benefiting nearby areas by stabilizing local supply and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The initiative has boosted Kerala's solar ecosystem as a pioneering model, with total investments surpassing ₹200 crores across 50 MWp capacity, attracting further private funding and demonstrating economic scalability for regional renewable projects.

Recognition and Future Plans

Awards and Achievements

The CIAL Solar Power Project achieved a significant milestone in 2015 when the became the world's first airport to operate entirely on , following the commissioning of a 12 MWp photovoltaic plant that met 100% of its needs. This pioneering accomplishment highlighted the project's innovative approach to integration in . In recognition of its environmental leadership, the project received the Environment Programme's (UNEP) award in 2018, the organization's highest environmental honor, for successfully transitioning to full solar dependency and reducing carbon emissions. In June 2022, the cumulative solar energy generation from CIAL's installations had surpassed 25 units, equivalent to offsetting approximately 1.6 metric tonnes of carbon emissions and powering the airport's operations while exporting surplus to the grid. The project's global impact was further acknowledged in 2025 with the (ACI) and Green Airports Recognition award in the Gold category, honoring its innovative terrain-based plant at Payyannur, which enhanced land efficiency and contributed to the airport's overall 50 MWp capacity. This accolade positioned CIAL among leading sustainable airports serving 6-15 million passengers annually. The initiative has garnered international media attention, including features by BBC News on its groundbreaking solar operations and coverage in The Hindu detailing its awards and innovations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly endorsed the CIAL approach as a replicable example for energy-intensive sectors in 2019.

Upcoming Developments

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) plans to double its capacity from the current 50 MWp to 100 MWp over the next 5-10 years by installing new solar plants at remote locations outside the main airport premises. This expansion addresses land constraints within the airport boundary while enhancing overall output. To improve energy storage and grid stability, CIAL is actively exploring battery storage solutions as part of its long-term strategy to support the increased solar generation. Complementing this, the project incorporates hybrid solar-hydro integration through planned run-of-the-river hydroelectric initiatives, including a project at Arippara, to create a more resilient renewable energy mix. Further advancing sustainability, CIAL has partnered with Corporation Limited (BPCL) to develop the world's first airport-based plant with a 1,000 kW capacity, utilizing excess for to produce for vehicles and potential exports. The facility, estimated at ₹25 , is scheduled for commissioning by late 2025; as of October 2025, it was ready for commissioning and aligns with broader hybrid energy goals. These initiatives support India's national ambition of 500 GW capacity by 2030, positioning CIAL as a leader in sector decarbonization. By 2030, the project aims to achieve full integration with net-zero targets under the (ACI) framework, building on its existing carbon-neutral status.

References

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