AAI’s plan includes installation 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. 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.
The MoU was signed in presence of Shri Ashok Lavasa, Secretary, Civil Aviation , Shri Alok Sinha, Joint Secretary, MoCA & Chairman, AAI and Shri Rajendra Nimje, MD, SECI for the 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 from Solar Energy Corporation (SECI) at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi.
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 including 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 including other applications of renewable energy for various establishments at airports. He said that projects shall be accomplished in a time bound manner and the airport-wise specific timelines shall be worked out and followed up for effective implementation.
