As a policy, airports in the country are taking the green route by harnessing solar power to meet their electricity requirement to the possible extent
Illustrative image (Source: Internet)
The Madurai airport is saving big on electricity charges as it meets 30% of its power requirement through solar energy. With the addition of the 730-KW solar panels in April this year, the total capacity has increased to 900KW. The facility, set up at a cost of Rs 4.8 crore, helps the Airport Authority of India (AAI) save at least Rs 10 lakh towards electricity charges monthly.
As a policy, airports in the country are taking the green route by harnessing solar power to meet their electricity requirement to the possible extent. It has not only brought down huge electricity bills, but also helped in conserving power to save the environment. It was looking forward to effectively minimizing greenhouse gas emissions thereby contributing to the country’s goal of minimizing environmental degradation, said officials from Madurai airport.
It may be recalled that solar power facility to generate 170-KW electricity was inaugurated in 2016 at a cost of Rs 80 lakh. After its success, solar panels to generate 730 KW power was installed on empty ground. It has been in use since April 25, 2019.
Madurai airport director V V Rao said since most of the power requirement during day time is met through solar power, they are depending on Tamil Nadu Electricity Board mostly only during night. While the requirement of power is 4 lakh units a month, around 1.35 lakh units are being met through solar power. The plant helps avoid carbon emission equivalent to sequestration of 7,500 full grown trees, he said.
Officials from the airport said that solar panels have a life of around 25 years. The investment in solar plants will save a lot of money in the long run.
The money invested for the facility can be recovered in just four years. Only minimum maintenance is required for the panels. Airport Authority of India is installing solar facilities at various airports in a phased manner. Officials said that the airport campus is getting greener as a large number of trees are being planted.
Energy world