In a move toward advancing sustainable infrastructure within India’s aviation sector, Tata Power has partnered with Noida International Airport (NIA) to supply renewable energy through wind and solar power.
With an investment of ₹550 crore (approximately £50.2 million), this partnership includes not only renewable energy integration but also the development of critical utilities and smart energy infrastructure to support NIA’s ambitious goal of becoming a Net Zero Airport.
The formalisation of this partnership took place with two Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) signed in New Delhi. Senior executives from Tata Power, including Sanjay Banga, President of Transmission and Distribution, and Deepesh Nanda, CEO & MD of Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd. (TPREL), were joined by Noida International Airport’s CEO Christoph Schnellmann, marking a milestone for renewable energy in India’s aviation industry.
Renewable commitment
Tata Power Trading Company Ltd. (TPTCL) will oversee the comprehensive renewable energy portfolio for NIA, ensuring seamless delivery of clean energy to meet the airport’s growing needs. Through TPTCL, Noida International Airport will receive 10.8 MW of wind power, sourced directly from Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd. assets, marking a benchmark in clean energy commitments within India’s airport infrastructure.
TPREL will also develop and manage an onsite solar power facility with a 13 MW capacity, providing an uninterrupted supply of sustainable energy to the airport.
Together, these wind and solar power installations will account for more than half of NIA’s energy needs, reflecting Tata Power’s strategic goal to reduce carbon footprints within critical infrastructure. Tata Power’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions demonstrates the potential for replicating this green model across India’s rapidly expanding network of airports, with over 200 new airport projects expected in the coming two decades.
Smart infrastructure
Beyond energy supply, Tata Power’s partnership with NIA includes the development of essential dry utilities—critical electrical infrastructure designed to support the airport’s operations and smart energy requirements. Tata Power will also take on long-term operational and maintenance (O&M) responsibilities for this infrastructure, ensuring continuous, efficient service over a 25-year period. This comprehensive O&M model reinforces Tata Power’s expertise in sustainable airport infrastructure development, creating a reliable energy system that enhances NIA’s operational resilience.
This multi-pronged approach, from renewable energy investment to infrastructure development and long-term O&M, illustrates Tata Power’s commitment to customized, sustainable energy solutions capable of scaling with India’s evolving infrastructure needs. By investing in such critical infrastructure, Tata Power sets a precedent for sustainable, resilient airports that meet both current and future demands.
Net zero vision
Tata Power’s investment in Noida International Airport aligns with India’s larger goals for a sustainable future. Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO and MD of Tata Power, highlighted the company’s focus on pioneering renewable energy integration within the aviation sector: “Tata Power is proud to partner with Noida International Airport to advance Net Zero Airport initiatives. As India enhances its aviation infrastructure, we are providing innovative, clean energy solutions to accelerate the country’s path toward a greener future.”
The long-term commitment to NIA also reflects Tata Power’s broader mission of delivering scalable, green energy solutions that can be adapted to other airports across the country. By spearheading renewable energy integration, Tata Power demonstrates the feasibility of sustainable aviation infrastructure in meeting India’s ambitious climate goals.
Impact and capacity
Noida International Airport, once fully operational, is poised to be a major international travel hub, with four planned development phases. The first phase, scheduled to feature one runway and one terminal, will accommodate 12 million passengers annually, and upon completion, NIA’s capacity will expand to serve up to 70 million passengers per year. This partnership with Tata Power ensures that even as NIA grows, it will prioritise environmental responsibility, reducing its carbon footprint by sourcing a significant portion of its energy needs from renewable sources.
Christoph Schnellmann, CEO of Noida International Airport, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that sourcing over half of the airport’s energy needs from renewable sources is a core element of NIA’s sustainability journey. “Partnering with Tata Power represents a major step forward. This agreement reflects our long-term vision for NIA to be a leader in environmentally conscious airport operations,” Schnellmann stated.
