Jose K Joseph
Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Sept 28: A 5 MW solar power project planned by the Airport Authority of India (AAI), which could fulfil the entire energy requirements of Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), is waiting for approval from the state cabinet.
The project requires at least 25 acres of land, but sources said land is yet to be identified. Officials said the project will get approval from the state government after land is identified for it.
Considering the huge energy requirements at the airports, the central and the state governments are now encouraging greener initiatives like solar power projects.
“Every year we require 3 MW of electricity. We get 2 MW from the Central Electricity Supply Utility (CESU) and we purchase the rest. Once the solar power plant is completed, we would be energy sufficient,” said BPIA director Sharad Kumar.
“Once we receive the official approval, the project can be completed by next year,” added Kumar.
Green Energy Development Corporation (GEDCOL), a fully-owned subsidiary of Orissa Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC) is expected to undertake this project. Sources said that Solar Energy Corporation may also join in this venture.
BPIA currently has a 100 KW solar power project set up by Lanco Solar Energy. On an average, BPIA requires five lakh units of electricity every month.
Cochin International Airport is the only airport in India that has become energy sufficient by using solar power, considered a milestone in India’s aviation history. Sources said Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata also plans a similar project.
