CIAL Infrastructure Ltd to head green energy projects

CIAL Infrastructure Ltd has lined up a series of projects including floating solar power farms and small hydro projects.
CIAL Infrastructure Ltd is a 100 % subsidiary of Cochin International Airport.

CIAL Infrastructure, which is ready to commission a 12-MW solar farm next week, has firmed up plans to generate 50 MW from small hydro facilities in Kozhikode, Kannur, Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts . Work on the Arippara project (4.5 MW) in Kozhikode district will begin in three months, said CIAL managing director V. J. Kurien here on Thursday. Work on the project is expected to be completed in 18 months.

The cost of a mega watt from the small hydel units is in the vicinity of Rs. 10 crore. Mr. Kurien said CIAL Infrastructure was also exploring the possibility of using solar floating panels in the State’s reservoirs. The company is keenly watching at results from a pilot project taken up by KSEB, he said.

The State Electricity Board is in the process of establishing a 2.5-acre floating solar power farm in Banasurasagar reservoir in Wayanad district. It is learnt that cost comparison for the project is on. The floating farm will generate 0.5 MW. The project cost is roughly Rs.9 crore.

There are 18 reservoirs in the State and the plan is to initially use five % of the water spread for the floating farms, sources said.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will inaugurate the 12-MW solar power generation facility established by CIAL on the airport premises on August 18.