‘As world’s first fully solar-powered airport, an ambitious example has been set’

The Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has been selected for the Champion of Earth Prize-2018, the highest environmental honour instituted by the United Nations.

CIAL is honoured for its successful switch to solar power for all its energy requirements. The Cochin airport is the first such facility in the world to run fully on solar electricity.

A communiqué signed by Erik Solheim, Global chief of environment and executive director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), sent to V.J. Kurian, managing director, CIAL, said: “This is the United Nation’s highest environmental accolade and reflects your leadership in the use of sustainable energy”. It further said: “Previous champion laureates range from world leaders to inspiring scientists — all visionaries who drive the world closer to its aspiration of environmental sustainability and a life of dignity for all. As the world’s first fully solar powered airport, you set an ambitious example that we hope many others will follow.”

The award will be presented at a gala ceremony on the sidelines of the General Assembly in New York on September 26, said a communication from CIAL here.

Earlier, a UN team led by Mr. Solheim had visited the airport to know about its solar initiatives and held discussions with authorities including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who is also the Chairman of the company. During his visit Mr. Solheim had revealed to the media that United Nations intended to endorse Cochin airport officially as the world’s first airport fully powered by solar energy.

The UN established Champion of Earth award in 2005 to recognise outstanding environmental leaders from the public and private sectors, and from civil society. There are four categories, wherein the CIAL was chosen for ‘Action and Inspiration’ which recognises individuals or organisations that have taken bold environmental action, and, in doing so, inspired others to follow in their footsteps.

In 2015

CIAL, the company that owns and operates India’s first airport built under the public-private-partnership model, became power neutral on August 18, 2015, with the commissioning of its 12 MWp solar power plant. V.J. Kurian, who was the brain behind the move, said the UN recognition would help take CIAL’s green ideas to a global audience.

“ By September 2018, the solar capacity at CIAL will be increased to 40 MWp, with a power potential of 60 million units per annum and resulting in a cost saving of approximately ₹40 crore per annum to the airport. This will also avoid CO2 emissions by more than nine lakh tonnes over the next 25 years, which is equivalent to planting 90 lakh trees or not driving 2,400 million miles,” Mr. Kurien said.

In order to ensure optimum land utilisation, CIAL has implemented organic farming of vegetables in areas between solar panels. The airport stands fourth in the country in terms of international traffic and seventh in total traffic.