Cochin International Airport in India says it has become the first in the country to operate completely on solar power.
Chief minister Oommen Chandy has inaugurated a 12 MWp solar power plant, comprising 46,150 solar panels laid across 45 acres near the cargo complex. The plant is now producing 50,000 to 60,000 units of electricity per day, enough to power all its operational functions.
A power banking module provided by the Kerala State electricity allows the airport to send electricity to the national grid during the day and 'buy' it back at night.
The emissions saved will be equivalent to planting 3m trees, says the airport.
