Kerala’s Cochin International Airport has become the first in the world to run entirely on solar power.
In the fall of 2015, the city of Cochin, India, announced that it was introducing massive reform to tackle its air pollution problem. The solution? To transition its international airport to run completely on solar power from 46,150 panels laid across 45 acres.
When True Activist first reported on the exciting development, the airport was intentioned to be open in May 2016. However, it was recently revealed that the goal was met two months early, and now the Kerala’s Cochin International Airport is powered completely by the sun.
With a 12-megawatt peak capacity, the 7th busiest airport in India no longer needs to spend a dime on electricity.
In the future, the airport plans on doubling the capacity to 26.5 megawatts after the initial six years needed to recoup the $9.3 million investment cost.
Said Mr. V.J. Kurian IAS, the airport’s managing director:
“We consume around 48,000 unit (KWh) a day. So if we can produce the same by strictly adhering to the green and sustainable development model of infrastructure development that we always follow, that would send a message to the world.”
It is estimated that over the next 25 years, the solar power generated will have eliminated 300,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions from a coal-fired power plant, equal to planting 3 million trees.
If a stunningly large airport in India can run efficiently – and completely – on solar energy, why can’t other structures around the globe?
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But one sad story is now, America is stopping India from using solar power by imposing some fucking export rules….
Just in case the obvious wasn’t obvious: 45 acres worth of solar panels. For one airport. Most structures simply don’t have that much land to throw around.