Cochin International Airport Limited or CIAL is establishing the world’s first green hydrogen plant in an airport. 

The entity has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) for the project. 

The project entails setting up a 1000 KW pilot plant at the airport premises. Under the agreement, BPCL will oversee the establishment of the integrated green hydrogen plant and fueling station at Kochi Airport. It will also provide technology and manage the operations.

CIAL will provide the land, water, and green energy resources. The initial output of the plant will be utilized for powering vehicles within the airport.

The strategic move is a part of CIAL to deep dive into green energy initiatives. It must be noted that CIAL is also the world’s first airport fully powered by solar energy. 

Green hydrogen, produced from water using renewable energy sources, is recognized as a future fuel and aligns with zero-carbon energy strategies.

G. Krishnakumar, Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL, said, “The partnership is a crucial step on the path to long-term solutions.” 

“As pioneers in sustainable aviation, CIAL is happy to start a groundbreaking journey with BPCL. This strategic collaboration underscores CIAL’s commitment to green energy and propels closer towards a zero-carbon future in the aviation landscape,” said S. Suhas (IAS), Managing Director, CIAL. 

CIAL renowned for its effective deployment of green energy through the installation of big solar plants and a hydel station now has a cumulative installed capacity of 50 MW producing two hundred thousand units of power a day. Ever since the installation of its first plant with a capacity of 12 MW.