India’s Hyderabad International Airport installs biodiesel filling station

Photo: GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd.

GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. in India recently launched two sustainable initiatives, the airport announced Aug. 9. These include a biodiesel filling station at the public transportation center, and an electric vehicle (EV) charging station at the main car park. The airport says the initiatives are significant steps in its eventual target of carbon neutrality.

According to GMR Hyderabad International Airport, the introduction of a biodiesel filling station at the public transportation center is a first for Indian airports.

“The use of biodiesel can extend the life of diesel engines because it lubricates better than petroleum diesel, while diesel consumption, auto ignition, power output, and engine torque remain unaffected,” the airport said. “It also has a cleansing effect on engine walls.”

Pradeep Panicker, CEO of GMR Hyderabad International Airport, said, “We at GMR Hyderabad International Airport are committed to operate our airport in a sustainable and environment-friendly manner. We have adopted multiple initiatives in collaboration with all our stakeholders to achieve not only just carbon neutrality but also to optimize the use of natural resources around the airport ecosystem. We aim to be a zero-carbon emission airport and will continue to adopt various ecofriendly measures. Sustainable fuel plays a significant role in reducing emissions and the availability to deliver such fuel solutions will accelerate our efforts in conserving the environment in and around the airport.”

Hyderabad International Airport says it employs a host of environment-focused initiatives aimed at optimizing the use of natural resources and practicing the best waste-management procedures, including:

• Green buildings

• Clean Energy

• Carbon-emissions control

• Recycling

• Water conservation

• Rainwater harvesting

• Commissioning of solar power plant

• Cloud-based irrigation-control systems

• And more

The airport’s total solar-power capacity has now increased to 10 megawatts. With the addition of solar-power generation, 50 percent of the energy requirements of the airport will be met. There will be a reduction in its carbon-emission footprint by about 28 lakh* kilograms of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to saving 1.4 lakh full-grown trees.

*A lakh is a unit in the Indian numbering system equal to 100,000.