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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.
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AAI has taken up many initiatives towards sustainable development. Some are:
* Use of all electrical appliances conforming to Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) with rating 4 star and above.
* Occupancy sensors, timers to shut off lights automatically.
* Building Management System (BMS) being implemented in new projects where in new terminals have been constructed / are under progress.
* Energy Efficient Chillers and Variable Speed Drives are being used to improve mechanical efficiency of air-conditioning plants, air-handling units, pumps.
* Energy efficient fluorescent lamps (T5) are being used. For indoor lighting use of LED lamps, which is more energy efficient and has longer life, is proposed for new projects.
* Automatic sliding doors and air curtains are being used to reduce air-conditioning loss.
* Machine Room less elevators are used at airports which conserve approximately 40 per cent energy as compared to conventional elevators.
* Escalators are provided at Airports with sensors to save energy.
* Replacement of taxi way and apron edge lights with LED lights at Indore, Guwahati and Jaipur Airports.
* Baggage Conveyor System with sensor for Baggage location and occupancy provided for automatic stopping of baggage system.
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