From Solar to Hydrogen: How Cochin Airport Plans to Beat Climate Change

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), India’s first PPP-model airport, is embarking on a major green and digital expansion plan. It includes setting up the world’s first airport-based green hydrogen plant, scaling up solar power to 50 MWp, expanding MRO services, and creating an aerotropolis model with IT parks and lifestyle zones. The initiatives not only align with carbon neutrality goals but also strengthen India’s aviation and trade ecosystem under the vision of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

CIAL: Leading the Future of Sustainable Aviation

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), the first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) airport in India, is redefining what an airport stands for in the 21st century. With more than 150 projects planned, the airport is focusing on,

• Green energy initiatives
• Digital infrastructure upgrades
• Regional economic integration

The vision is to combine sustainability, technology, and development so the airport remains future-ready and globally competitive.

Green Energy Revolution at CIAL

• World’s First Airport-Based Green Hydrogen Plant
• Built in collaboration with BPCL, the plant will be inaugurated in August 2025.
• Capacity: 1 MW installed power; produces 220 kg of hydrogen daily.
• Purpose: Green mobility solutions within and around the airport.
• Significance: First of its kind globally, reinforcing CIAL’s legacy as a solar-powered airport.

Scaling Solar Power

• Current solar power capacity: 50 MWp.
• Generates over 2 lakh units daily.
• Over 35 crore clean units produced so far.
• Annually offsets 66,000 tonnes of carbon, equal to planting 3 million trees.
• These green energy projects make CIAL a pioneer in global carbon neutrality goals.

Key Infrastructure Projects at CIAL

• Import Cargo Terminal: 1 lakh sq ft for handling growing trade needs.
• India’s Largest Aero Lounge — 0484 Aero Lounge.
• Emergency Services Upgrade: Modern fire safety and rescue systems.
• Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS).
• Golf Resorts & Commercial Complexes: For lifestyle and business travelers.
• Secondary Runway Project: Land acquisition worth ₹1,200 crore.
• Railway Overbridge & Three New Access Bridges: To improve connectivity.
• Animal Quarantine & Certification Services (AQCS): Opened in Oct 2024, making CIAL the 7th Indian airport to facilitate pet imports.

CIAL as an Aerotropolis: The Big Vision

CIAL aims to follow the Aerotropolis model, where the airport becomes the nucleus for,

• IT Parks
• Commercial Zones
• Lifestyle Hubs
• Tourism Growth

This model supports Kerala’s vision of becoming a global investment and tourism hub.

Global Recognition and Authorizations

• Recognized as an Authorised Entry Port for Drugs & Cosmetics under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940.
• Received AEO-LO Status (Authorised Economic Operator – Low Risk) from the Directorate of International Customs for compliance with the WCO SAFE Framework.