GHIAL’s Total Solar Capacity Increases to 10 MW

GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) announced commissioning of its second phase 5 MW solar power plant. GHIAL’s total solar power capacity has now increased to 10 MW. It had commissioned a 5 MW solar power plant for its captive consumption in 2015.

With the commissioning of the additional capacity, the Hyderabad airport will be able to cut its dependency on conventional power by 12 million units per year, resulting in savings of around Rs 90 lakh per month said GHIAL.

Spread over an area of 45 acres, more than 30,000 solar panels have been installed to produce 10 MW power. Both the solar plants have advanced ABB central inverters and poly crystalline PV panels.

With this addition of solar power generation, 50 per cent of the energy requirements of Hyderabad Airport will be met. There will be a reduction in carbon footprint by about 28 lakh kg carbon dioxide which is equivalent to saving of 1.4 lakh full grown trees said the company.

GHIAL CEO Pradeep Panicker said, as a member airport of the ACI (Airports Council International), the airport operator has committed to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. We are committed to green and renewable energy. This is a major milestone for us and a critical step in the right direction.