Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has become India’s 100 per cent sustainable airport with its recent shift to green sources. By transferring all its energy demands to green sources, Mumbai International Airport has joined the league of a few of India's only airports that are completely sustainable.
CSMIA has been dedicatedly trying to reduce its energy use and carbon impact through various methods. The airport initiated its shift toward sustainable practice by building a 1.06 MW rooftop solar power plant, which is now increased to 4.66 MW.
Of the entire 100 per cent electrical needs, CSMIA obtains nearly 5 per cent from on-site solar generation, while the remaining 95 per cent from other environmentally friendly sources such as hydro and wind energy. Reportedly, CSMIA observed an increase in the purchase of natural energy. It rose from 57 per cent of green consumption in April 2022 to 98 per cent during May-July. A CSMIA representative reportedly informed that the use of renewable energy sources has touched 100 per cent in August 2022.
CSMIA is touted to be the first in India to introduce hybrid technology that has only used green energy since April 2022. To achieve its Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2029, in April 2022, CSMIA enhanced its capacity usage of green energy and deployed a 10 Kwp hybrid solar mill consisting of 2 Kwp Turbo Mill (3 Savonious type VAWT) and 8 Kwp solar PV modules with an estimated minimum energy generation of 36 Kwh/day. Being the first-of-its-kind, this hybrid renewable energy project is fully integrated and harnesses solar and wind energy combined to generate electricity.
Reportedly, this sustainable transformation of CSMIA will ensure a reduction of nearly 120,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent every year. Additionally, CSMIA also implemented a Carbon Accounting and Management System (CAMS) based on ISO 14064-1:2018 to identify, measure and manage Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. As per CSMIA’s spokesperson: “As CSMIA aspires to become net-zero by 2029, this landmark event further encourages us to stay committed to our efforts in enhancing the operational efficiency of the airport while operating on fully renewable energy.”
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