Hyderabad: Strengthening its efforts towards eco-friendly operations, GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL) recently launched two sustainable initiatives, an EV (Electric Vehicle) charging station at Main Car Park and a Bio-Diesel Filling station at the Public Transportation Center (PTC).
Carbon neutrality at the airport
Inculcating the use of sustainable resources, the initiatives are significant steps in the direction of carbon neutrality that the airport is aiming for. The Fast-charging station is accessible to all EV users who wish to avail the service. With 30 KW, it can charge a four-wheeler from empty to full in about an hour.
The charging station is app-based and compatible for use through Android and IOS App mobile devices.
Benefits of an EV charging station at the Airport
- The presence of EV stations encourages the use of electric vehicles making the Airport an enabler of clean energy
- Electrical vehicles prevent pollution and maintain the optimum level of ambient noise around the airport premises
- Improves the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the airport further
Bio-Diesel filling station at the airport
A first in Indian airports, GHIAL has also introduced a Bio-Diesel filling station at the airport. Biodiesel is the only alternative diesel that can run any conventional, unmodified diesel engine. Biodiesel is 11% oxygen by weight and contains no Sulphur.
It produces approximately 80% lesser CO2(Carbon Dioxide) and almost 100% lesser SO2 (Sulphur Dioxide) emissions. The use of Biodiesel can extend the life of diesel engines because it lubricates better than petroleum diesel, while diesel consumption, auto ignition, power output, and engine torque remain unaffected. It also has a cleansing effect on engine walls.
Environmental benefits of Biodiesels
- Biodiesels reduce the risk of global warming and the greenhouse effect.
- There is no emission of hazardous gases, such as carbon monoxide (CO) and sulphur oxide (SO). It also improves the engine life of the vehicles.
- Biodiesels play a significant role in protecting the environment by lowering the amount of air pollution, therefore, contributing less to smog and acid rains.
A zero-carbon emission airport
Pradeep Panicker, CEO-GHIAL, said, “We are committed to operating our airport in a sustainable and environment-friendly manner. We have adopted multiple initiatives in collaboration with all our stakeholders to achieve not only just carbon neutrality but also to optimize the use of natural resources around the airport ecosystem. We aim to be a zero-carbon emission airport and will continue to adopt various eco-friendly measures. Sustainable fuel plays a significant role in reducing emissions and the availability to deliver such fuel solutions will accelerate our efforts in conserving the environment in and around the airport.”
Key sustainability initiatives
Hyderabad International Airport employs a host of environment-focused initiatives aimed at optimizing the use of natural resources and practicing the best waste management procedures. Green Buildings, Clean Energy, Carbon Emissions Control, Recycling, Water Conservation, Rainwater Harvesting, Single-Use Plastic, Commissioning of solar power plants, cloud-based irrigation control systems to name a few. GHIAL’s total solar power capacity has now increased to 10 MW. With this addition of solar power generation, 50% of the energy requirements of GHIAL will be met. There will be a reduction in carbon emission footprint by about 28 lakh kg carbon dioxide which is equivalent to saving 1.4 lakh full-grown trees.
