Pune Airport to switch to solar power next year

Pune Airport to switch to solar power next year

PUNE: In lieu of airports in the country switching over to solar power, tenders were floated by Airport Authority of India to carry out the switching over of Pune airport on Tuesday, for power generation. March 2018 deadline has been set for it, a senior official told Sakal Times. “It is expected to generate 300 kilowatts (kW) of solar energy,” he said. The move aims at reducing the expenditure, worth lakhs of rupees, on electricity bills every year.

“The SITC of design-based, grid-connected rooftop mounted 300 kW solar photovoltaic power plant, under CAPEX model will be set up at Hanger building at the airport. The estimated cost is Rs 1.73 crore and it will be completed within three months. The last date of submission for tenders is December 11, 2017,” said the official.

“The entire airport will be lit up and operated by solar power. The security systems, which include CCTV cameras, parking areas, floodlights, etc, will also be operated with solar power. The regular electrical power supply will be kept as an alternative, and used in case of any snags,” said the official.

The airport officials carried out a thorough study for over three months before floating the tenders. 

“Installation of solar power is not an easy task. We did proper study and planning before floating the tenders. This will help in cutting down the expenditure of lakhs of rupees on electricity bills every year,” the official added.

According to the official, the tender will be given to those who have satisfactorily completed three projects worth Rs 69.47 lakh, two projects worth Rs 86.84 lakh and a single project worth Rs 138.94 lakh during the period of last seven years. 

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha, during his visit to the city this June, said the ministry plans to run all airports in the country with the help of solar power. 

The Kochi Airport is said to be the world’s first airport to switch to solar power. Meanwhile, two solar power projects have recently been commissioned for the Bengaluru International Airport and the Chennai Airport is set to become 90 per cent solar dependent by the beginning of next year.

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