As part of the series of efforts of AAI in tapping alternative sources of energy, AAI is going to establish solar power plants at its airports to meet not only its own requirements but also to feed the surplus power generated to the local grid. An MoU between AAI and Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) was signed in May in the august presence of Shri Ashok Lavasa, Secretary, Civil Aviation and Shri Alok Sinha, Joint Secretary, MoCA & Chairman, AAI and Shri Rajendra Nimje, MD, Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for establishment of Solar Power Plants at AAI Airports. The MoU was signed by Shri Sudhir Raheja, Member (Planning), AAI and Shri Rakesh Kumar, Director, SECI, SECI, at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi. Senior Officers of AAI and SECI were also present on this occasion.

On this occasion, Shri Ashok Lavasa, Secretary, Civil Aviation, highlighted the importance of tapping solar energy through various outlets including storage of power generated in rechargeable batteries. He also emphasized to use the full potential of roof top surfaces as large areas are available at airports. He stated that utilization of stored energy in an efficient and effective manner is very important and as such AAI shall identify the outlets where the tapped energy can be channelized. These would be implemented for other applications of renewable energy for various establishments at airports. Secretary, Civil Aviation directed that projects shall be accomplished in a time-bound manner and the airport-wise specific time lines shall be worked out and followed up for effective implementation.

Setting up of Solar plants will not only achieve significant savings in power bills over a period of time but also result in relief in significant saving in carbon emissions apart from making airports self-sustainable so far as energy requirement is concerned.

AAI’s plans include installations of 50 MW capacity plants (cumulative capacity in Phase I) which will be enhanced to 150 MW (cumulative) over a period of time. The plants will be installed on surplus land available with AAI and at large roof tops of AAI’s structures. In all about 30 Airports have been identified by AAI for establishment of Solar Power Plants.