Expect More Airports To Go Solar, Globally

• ISA plans to explore the potential of solarization of airports in its member nations with the ACI  
• They will engage with the nations to frame necessary regulatory environment and bring out a best practices document for solarization of airports  
• Idea is to help airports use their large, flat, unobtrusive infrastructure for solar infrastructure and bring down emissions

The 116 member and signatory countries strong International Solar Alliance (ISA) will work with the global trade association of airports, Airports Council International (ACI), to increase the deployment of solar energy for airports in its member nations under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed.  

The idea is to have solar projects that make financial sense, while enabling airports to lower their carbon footprint and become sustainable. The partnership aims to promote solar as a cost-effective and reliable source of electricity for airports globally.  

"Airports are ideal locations for solar infrastructures due to their large, flat, and unobstructed surfaces, and this partnership will be key to supporting them in their energy transformation," said ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira.   

While the ISA will support policy choices that accelerate solar development, ACI will contribute with best practices for adoption by airports globally. Additional assistance will also be provided to Small Island Developing States and other developing countries to leverage the right tools and solutions for effective solar projects, the duo stated.  

Signatories will be expected to provide information about the aggregate demand for solar projects in identified airports, post which the partners plan to launch joint exploration and identification of pilot solar installation projects.   

"Our focus will be two-pronged: engage with ISA Member Countries to support establishing robust national and regional policies and frameworks. In addition, explore a joint publication of a guidance document of best practices for airport solarization," said ISA Director General Dr. Ajay Mathur. "We foresee this document as a comprehensive resource, sharing valuable insights and recommendations for the successful implementation of solar projects." 

The distinction of the world's 1st solar airport, completely powered by solar energy, is held by India's Cochin International Airport that started with a 100 kW pilot plant in 2013 and today has a total installed solar capacity of 50 MW.   

An association of countries with high solar irradiance, the ISA aims to mobilize over $1,000 billion by 2030 to deploy 1,000 GW of solar energy capacity globally under its Towards 1000 strategy