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India has unveiled the world’s first 100% solar power airport in Cochin, a city in the South Indian state of Kerala. The Cochin international airport will completely run on solar power generated from 46,150 solar panels arrayed throughout 45 acres with the potential to generate 48,000 units of energy per day. The Cochin terminal will begin its operations from May 2016.

Cutting carbon emissions by Cochin airport

Around 300,000 tons worth of carbon emissions are expected to be saved over coming 25 years in the international airport of Cochin that runs on solar power. The country's first airport built under PPP model, thus saves carbon emissions equivalent to not driving 750 million miles or planting three million trees, said a press release.

CIAL seeking alternate energy resources

Additionally, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), the parent company, is planning to sell energy to the Kerala State Electricity Board from the solar plant. The alternate energy resources like water bodies in the state of Kerala are also being explored by CIAL to generate energy through hydro power projects and dam-based solar panels.

Already having four gigawatts of solar capacity, India commenced to direct airports across the country to incorporate solar energy into their daily needs and operations.

-Sumana