GMR Hyderabad International Airport is first Indian airport to launch biodiesel filling station

GMR Hederabad International Airport (GHIAL) recently launched two sustainable initiatives - a biodiesel filling station at the public transportation centre (PTC) and an electric vehicle (EV) charging station at the main car park.

By integrating the use of sustainable resources, the airport said these initiatives are "significant steps in the direction of carbon neutrality" it is aiming for.

GHIAL's biodiesel filling station is a first for an Indian airport. Biodiesel is the only alternative diesel that can run any conventional, unmodified diesel engine. Biodiesel is 11% oxygen by weight and contains no Sulphur. It produces approximately 80% lesser carbon dioxide, and almost 100% less sulphur dioxide emissions. 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. It also has a cleansing effect on engine walls.

Benefits of an EV charging station include encouraging the use of EVs, making the airport an enabler of clean energy. EVs prevent pollution and maintain the optimum level of ambient noise around the airport premises, and improve the air quality index of the airport.

The Fast-charging station is accessible to all EV users who wish to avail the service.  With 30 KW, it can charge a four-wheeler from empty to full in about an hour.

The charging station is app based and compatible for use through Android and IOS App mobile devices.

CEO of GHIAL, Pradeep Panicker, 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 optimise the use of natural resources around the airport ecosystem.

"We aim to be a zero-carbon emission airport and will continue to adopt various eco-friendly 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.”