Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport has become the first airport in India to run entirely on hydro and solar power, as of June 1.
To make this possible, Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL), a consortium that manages and operates the Delhi Airport, signed a long-term power-purchase agreement with a hydropower producing company for the supply of hydroelectricity for the airport until 2036. DIAL also has a 7.84-megawatt solar power plant on the airside and roofs of the airport’s cargo terminals.
The historic switch to renewables will help reduce 2 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
IGI was recently named the best airport in India and South Asia for the fourth consecutive year at the Skytrax World Airport Awards. The airport also improved its overall global ranking to 37th from last year’s 45th position and also earned the title of cleanest airport in India and South Asia.