Green Airports (100 airports operating on green energy), Pg7

Key Highlights:

• India has achieved a significant milestone with 100 airports now operating entirely on green energy.
• Major airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru have attained Level 4+ Airports Council International (ACI) Accreditation, signifying their carbon-neutral status.
• Cochin International Airport (CIAL) holds the distinction of being the world's first fully solar-powered airport.
• The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has set a target for all operational airports to adopt renewable energy sources by 2024 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.
• The transition to green energy is primarily driven by the installation of solar power plants by airport operators, including the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

Detailed Insights:

• India's aviation sector is experiencing rapid growth, projected to become the world's third-largest aviation market by 2026.
• The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has implemented a Carbon Accounting and Reporting framework to guide airports towards carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions.
• New Greenfield Airports are being developed with an inherent focus on achieving carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions from their initial design and construction phases.
• Airports are utilizing a combination of on-site solar power generation and procurement of green energy through open access and green power tariffs.
• Beyond energy, initiatives include deploying electric vehicles for airside operations, implementing energy-efficient HVAC systems, LED lighting, and advanced waste and water management.
• The government has also approved indicative blending targets for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), starting with 1% by 2027 for international flights.
• India leads the Asia-Pacific region in Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA), with 30 accredited airports, including three of the four Level 5 certified airports.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Green Airports: Airports that primarily utilize renewable energy sources and implement sustainable practices to minimize their environmental impact.
• Carbon Neutrality: A state where the net release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is zero, achieved by balancing emissions with removal or offsets.
• Net-Zero Emissions: Reducing all greenhouse gas emissions to the lowest possible level, with any remaining emissions being permanently removed from the atmosphere.
• Greenfield Airport: A new airport constructed on undeveloped land, allowing for comprehensive sustainable design and planning from its inception.
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Biofuels derived from sustainable feedstocks that significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.