Chennai: One of the problems often cited by solar power developers in executing a large project, is availability of land. But here is one easy option: Airports.
Think of solar panels in the vast spaces that surround runways, you instinctively feel that it is not a good idea. Would the light reflecting off the panels affect landings?
But apparently, it is a done thing. A German company called Enerparc, a specialist in putting up solar projects in airports, has done over 240 MW of solar installations in active airports. “The largest solar plant we have installed is in the Neuhardenberg airport, which is a 70 MW plant,” Stefan Mueller, Chief Operating Officer, Enerparc, told Business Line.
All it takes is a ‘glare analysis’ to find out where the panels should not be put up.
Enerparc, now getting active in India, has mooted the idea of solar projects at airports. India has 136 airports. Some of these are spread over vast pieces of land. For example, the Hyderabad international airport is spread over 5,400 acres. Chennai sits on over 4,000 acres.
16/12/12 M. Ramesh/Business Line
