The World's First Solar-Powered Airport is Underway
In a time of airport renovations, over 300,000 tons of carbon emissions are expected to be saved over the next 25 years as India's Cochin International Airport plans to become the world's first entirely solar-powered airport. The 45-acre large plant for the airport took six months to build and consists of 46,000 solar panels to create 52,000 units of daily energy. The airport intends to use the power for all operations, becoming "absolutely power neutral." Cochin is no stranger to renewable energy, having used solar power atop the arrival terminal's rooftop since early 2013. Except this time, the new system will be the equivalent of planting 3 million trees. "We are also looking at opportunities in generating power through dam-based solar panels and low-head hydro projects by utilizing Kerala's natural resources," airport managing director VJ Kurian said. [TIME]
