CIAL wins global recognition for green energy innovation

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has received yet another international acclaim, securing the honour at the Green Airports Recognition 2025 awards instituted by Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East.

The award is in honour of CIAL’s sustainable energy project — terrain based solar power plant at Payyannur in Kannur.

Awarded in the 6–15 million passengers per annum category, this recognition places CIAL among the leading environmentally conscious airports across Asia-Pacific and West Asia regions. The ACI programme celebrates exemplary environmental initiatives that contribute to greener and more sustainable aviation infrastructure, according to a release.

CIAL managing director S. Suhas received the award from ACI president S.G.K. Kishore at a ceremony hosted by ACI in New Delhi.

Commissioned in 2022 on 35 acres, CIAL introduced the concept of terrain-based installation where the geographical characteristics of the area are retained, and no changes are made in the gradient of the land.

“CIAL, the world’s first airport fully powered by solar energy, continues to expand its green initiatives through periodic upgrades in energy capacity as part of its infrastructure development. Committed to sustainable development, the company has been enhancing green energy to meet the energy needs owing to continuous infrastructure development. At present, the total installed capacity of CIAL is 50 MW,” Mr. Suhas said.

ACI International, in its official recognition letter, said that CIAL’s submission was among the outstanding projects that stood out from the numerous high-quality entries that it received in 2024, says the release.