BENGALURU: The Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) aims for 100 per cent reliance on renewable energy by next year. The Airport currently meets 67 per cent of its energy requirements through solar power. A solar plant generating 3.5 MW of power was inaugurated on February 6, 2019. The plant has been set up on eight rooftops on the premises of the airport.
Hari K Marar, Managing Director and CEO, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) said that the airport has increased its consumption of solar power to over 50 MU (million units) through on-site and off-site solar power purchase agreements in a phased manner. He further said that 400 high pressure sodium vapour lamps on the air side have been replaced by LEDs. This has helped the airport to save 11.5 lakh units of electricity per year.
Marar spoke about the partial closure of the airport to facilitate the Aero India 2019 show. He said that it will not cause inconvenience to air passengers. No problems were faced in previous edition of Aero India show. In fact, more people travel from the airport during the show, he added.