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| Cochin Airport's Green Hydrogen Breakthrough |
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), located in Kerala, has embarked on a pioneering venture in collaboration with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to establish a green hydrogen production facility within its premises. This strategic partnership positions CIAL as the world's first airport operator to house a hydrogen power generation facility on-site.
Understanding Green Hydrogen:
Green hydrogen, unlike its conventional counterpart, is produced using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, resulting in zero carbon emissions. Electrolysis, a process that separates hydrogen and oxygen from water, is employed in its production. This clean fuel holds immense potential for fostering sustainability, particularly in the transportation sector.
CIAL-BPCL Partnership:
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, CIAL and BPCL aim to construct a green hydrogen plant with a capacity of 1000KW at the airport. Leveraging BPCL's expertise in hydrogen production and technology, CIAL is spearheading the adoption of innovative energy solutions. The collaboration entails BPCL overseeing the establishment of the integrated Green Hydrogen plant and fueling station, while CIAL provides essential resources such as land, water, and green energy.
Green Hydrogen Applications:
Initially, the produced green hydrogen will power the airport's electric vehicle fleet, including cars, buses, and handling equipment, facilitating the realization of carbon neutrality goals. Successful implementation may lead to scaling up the capacity to serve broader applications, such as hydrogen buses for public transportation in Kochi and neighboring cities. This initiative aligns with Kerala's vision for a hydrogen-based economy.
Alignment With Green Goals:
CIAL's initiative reflects its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable operations. By embracing renewable energy solutions and reducing aviation emissions, CIAL is setting a precedent for eco-conscious leadership in the aviation industry.
Advancing Kerala’s Hydrogen Roadmap:
CIAL's endeavor is in sync with the state government's ambitious plans outlined in the 2021 policy for transitioning towards hydrogen-based technologies. This roadmap aims to achieve a 25% hydrogen mix by 2030, leveraging Kerala's abundant renewable energy resources.