UN Environment Body bestows 'Champions of Earth 2018' award to solar-powered Cochin airport

The Cochin International Airport in Kerala, which is the world’s first solar-powered airport, has been chosen for the Champions of Earth 2018, a prize instituted by the United Nations, the Indian Express reported on Thursday.

According to the report, Erik Solheim, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), had visited the airport located on the fringes of Kochi recently lauding its achievements in renewable energy conservation and the vegetable cultivation in the solar park.

Solheim, in a communique to VJ Kurien, managing director, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), said ‘previous Champion laureates range from world leaders to inspiring scientists – all visionaries who drive the world closer to its aspiration of environmental sustainability and a life of dignity for all.’

The Champion of Earth Prize is considered the UN’s highest environmental accolade.

In May this year, Solheim on a trip to Kerala said, "Kerala has long been a leader in human development and I am excited to be visiting the state and learning more about environmental innovation."

Many countries in the world have much to learn from the state's experiences with the first fully-solar powered airport in the world, a clear example that being environment-friendly is now a conscious business decision for many, a UNEP release quoting Solheim said.

At present Cochin International Airport produces 0.125 million units of power a day from its eight power plants with a total installation capacity of 30 MWp. More than 10 million people travel through the airport each year, and it has made considerable monetary savings through its solar power plants (present installation capacity 30 MWp).

This will be scaled up to 40 MWp by July 2018.