By Staff Correspondent
In a significant advancement towards sustainable infrastructure in India’s aviation sector, Tata Power, one of the nation’s preeminent integrated power companies, has forged a strategic partnership with Noida International Airport (NIA) focused on renewable energy integration. This collaboration is embodied in two Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for wind and solar power supply, formalized in a high-profile signing event in New Delhi. Esteemed leaders from both organizations, including Sanjay Banga, Deepesh Nanda, Tarun Katiyar from Tata Power, and Christoph Schnellmann, Nicolas Schenk from NIA, underscored the importance of this partnership.
The partnership places Tata Power Trading Company Ltd. (TPTCL) at the helm of renewable energy management, ensuring that NIA’s clean energy requirements are proficiently met through a comprehensive energy portfolio. This arrangement includes a substantial commitment where TPTCL will deliver 10.8 MW of wind power, drawing on secured assets from Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd. (TPREL). Additionally, TPREL will spearhead the development and maintenance of a 13 MW onsite solar power system, effectively bolstering the airport’s energy supply. The synergy of wind and solar resources highlights Tata Power’s firm dedication to cultivating sustainable airport infrastructure.
This collaboration extends beyond power supply; Tata Power will also develop essential dry utilities to enhance operational resilience at the airport. Notably, Tata Power will provide operation and maintenance (O&M) services for these facilities over a 25-year horizon. This multifaceted agreement, underpinned by a substantial investment of ₹550 crore (approximately $66 million), encapsulates Tata Power’s commitment to delivering clean energy solutions over a long-term trajectory.
The implications of this partnership stretch further than the immediate benefits to NIA; they hint at a pioneering model for sustainable energy integration that could be replicated across the burgeoning landscape of India’s airport infrastructure. With projections for constructing over 200 new airports in the coming two decades, there exists a compelling opportunity to adopt Tata Power’s innovative clean energy solutions nationwide.
The leaders of both companies have articulated a vision that embodies this commitment to sustainability. Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Power, articulated pride in this alliance, emphasizing its role in paving the path towards Net Zero Airports and contributing significantly to India’s green future. His sentiments are matched by Mr. Christoph Schnellmann, CEO of NIA, who underscored the importance of sourcing more than half of the airport’s energy needs from renewable sources, thus positioning NIA as a trailblazer in environmentally friendly airport operations.
As NIA initiates its first phase, featuring a single runway and terminal with a passenger handling capacity of 12 million annually, the strategic partnership with Tata Power is poised to play a crucial role in enhancing the airport’s sustainability metrics. Upon the completion of its development phases, NIA is projected to accommodate up to 70 million passengers per year, a testament to its potential growth and importance in bolstering India’s aviation infrastructure.
The partnership between Tata Power and Noida International Airport marks a pivotal intersection of infrastructure development and environmental responsibility within India’s aviation sector. By providing tailored energy solutions from investment through execution and ongoing maintenance, Tata Power exemplifies a modern approach to facilitating sustainable practices. This collaboration not only addresses immediate energy needs but also sets a precedent for future airport developments across the nation, driving forward the vision for a greener and more sustainable aviation industry in India.
