AAI airports to have over 100 MW solar power capacity

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) plans to have additional 100 MW of solar power generation capacity at its various aerodromes to bring down carbon footprint.
"30 MW solar power at AAI airports in pipeline; reducing carbon foot print by 4,600 MT (million tonnes). Long-term plan of addl 116 MW (sic)," Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said in a tweet today.
The minister, along with his junior colleague Jayant Sinha and other officials, had yesterday held a meeting with directors of various AAI-operated airports on energy and water conservation measures.
"Had a detailed workshop with ten airport directors on energy and water conservation measures at airports of AAI," Raju said in another tweet.

Around 42 airports have been identified for the solar power projects.
AAI manages 125 aerodromes. These include 11 international, 8 customs and 81 domestic airports as well as 25 civil enclaves at defence airfields.
The proposal to increase solar power usage also comes at a time when the ministry is working on ways to revive many underutilised airports as part of larger efforts to bolster regional air connectivity.
Meanwhile, in a tweet, Sinha said he conducted review meetings to understand the opportunities and challenges in India's aviation sector.