Bengaluru: Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) – operator of the Kempegowda International Airport -- on Wednesday inaugurated its rooftop solar power project. This solar plant will generate 3.35 MW of power for Bengaluru airport and an annual solar generation of around 4.7 million units. The plant is installed across 8 rooftops within the airport premises at Menzies Bobba, Air India SATS, Coolport and several BIAL office buildings. It is expected to generate around 47 lakh units of clean electricity every year and will contribute to reduce 3,800 tonnes of CO2 emission annually. The contemporary design of the solar panels ensure that the glare of the sun is not reflected, thus avoiding any visibility intrusions in aircraft operations. Sunshot’s engineering team has ensured that the solar structure is lightweight, leak proof, corrosion free and can withstand high wind conditions with ease, the press release said. Lakshminarayanan S, Vice President Engineering & Maintenance, BIAL said, “As a role model for sustainable progress, the BLR Airport is well on course towards achieving its goal of becoming 100% powered by renewable energy by 2020. To that end, these solar projects will help BIAL reduce the carbon footprint and achieve energy neutrality. The Airport’s consumption from solar power stands at 50 million units through on-site and off-site solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) to meet 67% of its annual energy requirements.” BIAL’s solar project was commissioned across two phases. During the first phase in 2017, 503 KW of rooftop solar, 2.5 MW of ground mounted solar and 425 KW of car parking solar power installations were undertaken. During the second phase, in addition to the 3.35 MW installation by Sunshot, BIAL purchased 20 MUs of solar power through open access from Bosch plant of capacity 14.4 MWp solar power plant commissioned at Belgavi. In addition, BIAL has also purchased 20 MUs of solar power through open access from Cleanmax. "

Source: Economictimes