While the Cochin Port Authority (CPA) has commissioned a ground-mounted 100 kWp (kilowatt peak power) solar photovoltaic (PV) project at an investment of ₹58 lakh and a roof-top 150 kWp solar PV project at a cost of ₹99. lakh as part of the authority’s initiative to reduce carbon emissions, it will implement several other projects as part of the nationwide effort to green ports and their operations.
The port’s proposals include a 1.5 MW (MW peak power) grid-connected floating solar PV project in the backwaters close to the port walkway at an investment of over ₹66 crore under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model. The project is awaiting clearance from the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
The port authority has also invited bids for setting up 6 MVA (Mega Volt Ampere) shore power supply facilities for quays 8 and 9 for servicing international cruise ships at a cost of Rs 22.34 crore. The tender is expected to be opened by the end of this month. This project is being implemented under the Sagarmala Project with a grant from the Ministry of Shipping.
In addition, the port is also setting up 350 kWp grid-connected rooftop solar PV projects at the port quarter and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) buildings at a cost of Rs 1.57 crore. Bids for the work are expected to be floated after the appointment of consultants for the initiative.
According to estimates, port activities and the entire maritime sector, excluding military operations, account for 1% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. The ministry has unveiled several measures including green activities of the port property with tree plantation, harnessing of energy sources like solar, wind mills and floating panels and adoption of green policies including areas of research.
The fight against harmful emissions in the port sector will be fought on multiple fronts, including energy management, exploitation of new sources of power, management of emissions through adoption of alternative sources and adoption of new technologies.