BLR Airport becomes net energy neutral in FY21; saves 22 lakh units of energy

June 5, 2021: On the eve of world environment day, 2021, Bangalore International Airport (BIAL) announced the accomplishment of net energy neutral status at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport) in the financial year 2020-21.

As part of its sustainability goals, BIAL had set the target to become net energy neutral by 2020-21.

BLR Airport began the financial year 2021-22 by meeting 98 percent of its energy requirement of 20-21 through renewable sources.

“As an outcome of energy conservation, BIAL has been able to save nearly 22 lakh units of energy in the FY 2020-21, enough to power nearly 9,000 houses for a month. BIAL saved nearly 5 lakh units (KWH) from lighting, and has implemented chiller plant optimisation in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), which has resulted in saving of over 17 lakh units (KWH),” reads the release.

Hari Marar, MD & CEO, BIAL, said, “As we expand our operations at BLR Airport, we aim to remain the flagbearer of sustainable operations. We have put in place various measures to reduce carbon footprint and protect our environment. Energy security is a very important aspect of our business as it is one of the key indicators to assess our sustainability levels."

BIAL's Energy Management initiative is focused on achieving carbon neutrality through the use of renewable, green and clean energy. BLR Airport has achieved energy-neutral status since December 2020 through its onsite solar installations as well as Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) from solar and wind energy suppliers.

BIAL has multiple measures in place to make BLR Airport environmentally efficient, with sustainability being the key pillar for all its operations to ensure the integrity of economic viability, operational excellence and conservation of natural resources.

In an effort to become energy neutral, BLR Airport has increased the consumption from solar power to over 50 million units through on-site and off-site Power Purchase Agreements (PPA). In addition, BIAL has entered into a PPA agreement for the purchase of additional 20 Million units of Wind Power through Open Access from January 2020.

Solar installation at BLR Airport and PPA with third parties to supply renewal energy:
• Solar installation at rooftops of utility buildings – 503 KW
• Solar installation at the car park – 440 KW
• Ground-mounted solar installation at airside – 2500 KW
• Solar installation at rooftops of cargo buildings, E&M office, project offices – 3350 KW
• Solar power purchase through open access – 40 million units/ annum
• Wind power purchase through open Access – 20 million units/ annum

BLR Airport also makes optimal use of natural light with minimum reliance on artificial illumination during the daytime. BIAL's other energy-efficient initiatives include the installation of solar street lighting; solar-powered security cabins; solar water heating system for the cafeterias.
Adoption of LED

The streetlights, perimeter lighting and airfield lights at BLR Airport have been converted to LED lighting. All this has further reduced the dependency on non-renewable energy. 100 percent of existing 400 high-pressure Sodium Vapour Lamps (HPSV) on the Aircraft parking stands have been converted into energy-efficient LEDs to provide enhanced safety for pilots, greater visibility for ground staff and reduced energy consumption.

Along with this, the newly commissioned South Runway Airfield Ground Lighting is powered with LED lights, making it the first airfield in India to be fully powered with an LED lighting system. The recently refurbished North Runway is also powered with LED airfield ground lighting. The solar installations, deployed across 53,600 sq m on the airside, will help BLR Airport save 37.5 lakh units of electricity annually, reducing its dependency on non-renewable sources of energy. This will also result in an overall reduction in carbon emissions.