Key Highlights
- Awarded Platinum Recognition by ACI Asia‑Pacific & Middle East for sustainable energy.
- First Indian airport to host an 8 MW solar plant supplying power to multiple airports.
- Project cuts annual carbon emissions by roughly 215,000 tonnes over its lifespan.
- Recognised during the ACI Regional Assembly in New Delhi on 16 April 2025.
- Demonstrates AAI’s commitment to net‑zero aviation in Karnataka.
Detailed Insights
Platinum Recognition is the highest honour bestowed by the ACI Green Airports Recognition programme, acknowledging exemplary practices in sustainable energy for airports handling fewer than six million passengers annually. Hubballi Airport’s achievement underscores its leadership in integrating renewable power into airport operations.
The award ceremony, held at the ACI Asia‑Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly in New Delhi, saw Rajesh Nilkanth Shinde, Executive Director (Technical) of the Airports Authority of India, accept the accolade on behalf of the organisation.
Central to Hubballi’s success is the 8 MW solar power plant commissioned in December 2022. This pioneering facility is the first in India designed to supply clean electricity to several airports—Hubballi, Belagavi, and Mysuru—while also supporting future terminal expansions across Karnataka.
Annual generation of over 11 million units of clean electricity translates into an estimated reduction of 215,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over the plant’s operational life, aligning with AAI’s and India’s broader net‑zero ambitions.
Strategically, the award validates AAI’s dedication to sustainable infrastructure and positions Karnataka as a model for green aviation initiatives worldwide.
Key Concepts
- Platinum Recognition – The top tier award in the ACI Green Airports Recognition scheme.
- Sustainable Energy at Airports – Initiatives that reduce carbon footprints through renewable power.
- Net‑Zero Emissions – Balancing emitted greenhouse gases with equivalent offsets or reductions.
- Solar Power Plant – A facility that converts sunlight into electricity for airport use.
- Green Airports Recognition – A global programme recognising airports that excel in environmental stewardship.