Öykü Altuntaş / Istanbul, Aug 20 () - The Cochin International Airport located in the state of Kerala of India has become the first airport to operate completely on solar power.

The installation is expected to make around 48,000 units per day, with the support of existing solar plants of 1.10 MWp, which is thought to be sufficient total amount to meet the requirement for power at the international airport.

The Chief Minister of Kerela, Oommen Chandy, has inaugurated the airport's new 12 MWp solar power plant that comprises 46,150 solar panels placed across in 45 acres distance to the cargo complex, on Aug 20.

Over the next 25 years, the green power project is expected avoid carbon dioxide emissions from coal fired power plants by more than three lakh tons, which is equivalent to planting 3 million trees or not driving 750 million miles.