Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) has set its sights on a new frontier: becoming the world’s first airport with an on-site green hydrogen plant.

CIAL, already fully powered by solar energy, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to establish a green hydrogen plant within the airport premises. This collaboration leverages the combined expertise of both organizations, with BPCL providing technology and managing operations, while CIAL contributes land, water, and green energy resources.

Green hydrogen, produced from water using renewable energy sources, holds immense potential as a clean fuel alternative. This initiative aligns perfectly with CIAL’s commitment to sustainable aviation and India’s zero-carbon energy goals.

The initial phase will focus on a 1000 KW pilot project, with the generated hydrogen utilized for powering airport vehicles. This serves as a crucial stepping stone towards larger-scale adoption and potential future applications for aircraft refueling.

The success of this pilot project has the potential to reshape the aviation industry’s approach to clean energy. As CIAL and BPCL collaborate further, the world watches with anticipation to see if this pioneering venture takes flight, paving the way for a greener future for air travel.