Cochin International Airport (CIAL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with BPCL to set up a green hydrogen plant in the airport premises. The ceremony was held at Legislative Complex, Thiruvananthapuram in the presence of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Under the agreement, BPCL will oversee the setting up of the integrated green hydrogen plant and fuelling station and provide technology and manage the operations. CIAL will contribute suitable land, water and green energy resources. The initial output of the plant will be utilised for powering vehicles within the airport. Combining technological prowess and infrastructure, this collaboration will lead to a green hydrogen plant and fuelling station located within an airport setting, as the first such plant. 

Green hydrogen, produced from water using renewable energy sources aligns with zero-carbon energy strategies. CIAL has a cumulative installed capacity of 50 MW producing two hundred thousand units of power a day. Ever since the installation of its first plant with a capacity of 12 MW, it has been augmenting its capabilities including this strategic collaboration with BPCL for setting up a 1,000 kW pilot project at the airport premises.

CIAL’s commitment propels closer towards a zero-carbon future in the aviation landscape, even as BPCL’s commitment to India’s energy independence came to the fore with indigenous electrolyser showcased at India Energy Week 2024.