**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3123, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) outlined steps taken to reduce carbon emissions at Indian airports through the installation of solar panels and other green initiatives. MoCA has advised all operational airports with scheduled operations and developers of upcoming Greenfield Airports to work towards achieving Carbon Neutrality Net Zero, including the use of green energy. As of August 7, 2025, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has installed solar power plants at 65 airports, with a cumulative capacity of approximately 59 MW. The estimated reduction in carbon emissions resulting from these installations is approximately 52,300 tCo2e per annum. The installation of solar panels is undertaken by the respective airport operators. The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) considers capital expenditure related to green energy projects and carbon neutrality during tariff determination for major airports. Currently, 88 airports are operating on 100% Renewable Energy (RE). Other initiatives implemented include green building designs, conversion to electric vehicles, and energy-efficient HVAC, lighting, and baggage handling systems. The information was provided by Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Civil Aviation: The Indian government ministry responsible for the formulation and administration of the rules, regulations and laws relating to civil aviation in India.
Airports Authority of India AAI: A statutory body responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining and managing civil aviation infrastructure in India.
Shri Anup Sanjay Dhotre: A Member of Parliament who raised a question in the Lok Sabha regarding the installation of solar panels at airports.
Shri Murlidhar Mohol: Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, who provided the answer to the question raised in the Lok Sabha.
Carbon Neutrality Net Zero: A state of achieving a balance between carbon emissions and carbon removal, aiming for a net-zero carbon footprint.
Greenfield Airports: Newly built airports, often located in undeveloped areas.
Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India AERA: The regulatory body that determines tariffs for major airports in India, considering expenditures related to green energy projects and carbon neutrality.
65 Airports: The number of airports where the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has installed solar power plants.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3123
th
(To be answered on the 7 August 2025)
INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PANELS AT AIRPORTS
3123. SHRI ANUP SANJAY DHOTRE
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION
be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has taken any steps to reduce carbon emissions
by installing solar panels at airports across the country and if so, the details
thereof;
(b) the total number of airports where solar panels have been installed along
with the total capacity of these installations and the estimated reduction in
carbon emissions achieved through this initiative;
(c) the total expenditure incurred by the Government for installing solar
panels at airports across the country; and
(d)whether the Government proposes to install solar panels at other airports
in the future and if so, the details thereof along with the timeline fixed for
their completion?
ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)
(a) to (d): Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has taken initiatives for working
towards Carbon neutrality at airports in the country and organised
knowledge sharing sessions to standardise Carbon Accounting and Reporting
framework of Indian Airports as well as to create awareness on Climate
Change mitigation. Further, all the operational airports with scheduled
operations and developers of the upcoming Greenfield Airports have been
advised to work towards achieving Carbon Neutrality & Net Zero which
inter-alia includes use of green energy.
The airport operators including Airports Authority of India (AAI) have
installed solar power plants at various locations/Airports for generation and
self-consumption of green and renewable energy to encourage green energy
usage at the airports. In addition, few airports are also procuring green
energy through open access. Other initiatives include adoption of buildingdesign as per Green building Standards, conversion of conventional vehicles
to electric vehicles, energy efficient Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
(HVAC), lighting and baggage handling systems etc.
As on date, AAI has installed Solar Power Plants at 65 Airports with
cumulative capacity of around 59 MW. The estimated reduction in carbon
emission by installing these Solar Plants is approx. 52,300 tCo2e per annum.
The installation of solar panels at airports is undertaken by the respective
airport operators. Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA)
takes into consideration the Capital expenditure relating to Green Energy
Projects, Carbon Neutrality etc. during the Tariff determination process of
Major Airports. As on date, 88 airports are operating on 100% RE.
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