After becoming the world’s first airport to be fully powered by solar energy, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) in India is set to help Ghana take this clean energy path as well.
According to reports published earlier this month, CIAL will help set up 1.5 megawatts of solar power projects at three airports in Ghana. CIAL will provide technical assistance to set up solar panels at Kotoka International Airport at Accra, Kumasi International Airport, and the Navrongo Domestic Airport.
CIAL has signed a memorandum of understanding with the consultant of the airport authority in Ghana.
CIAL created headlines around the world when it became the world’s first airport to be fully run by solar power. The airport started with a 12-megawatt project which expanded to 15.5 megawatts. The airport will eventually increase the capacity to 40 megawatts, including a solar-powered carport.
India has taken the lead in setting up solar power projects at airports. In 2015, the airport at Kolkata also announced plans to set up a solar power capacity of 15-20 megawatts. The project was commissioned in December 2017. Delhi’s airport already operates a ground-based solar power project. Airports in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer were reported to have been planning rooftop solar power projects.
Late last year, the civil aviation minister announced that the total solar power capacity operational at all Indian airports has increased to 135 megawatts — 90 megawatts at government-owned airports and 45 megawatts at privately-owned airports. The government expects the capacity to grow to 200 megawatts.
India has increased its solar power capacity in a rapid fashion over the last few years and now operates 20 gigawatts of capacity. The cost of generation has also collapsed sharply.
The government is now looking to partner with other countries to help them adopt solar power. In this effort, the government, in partnership with France, launched the International Solar Alliance and has allowed the Solar Energy Corporation of India to enter into other developing markets.
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