Leh Airport to have thermal capacity of 2500 kW
Yash Khajuria
Leh, Mar 10: India’s first geothermal and solar-powered airport in Ladakh is set to commence operations in October, marking a significant milestone in the country’s push for sustainable aviation infrastructure, an official said.
A. Umasankar, Airport Director and General Manager of Kushok Bakula Rimpochee (KBR) Airport in Leh, Ladakh informed that work on the terminal is in final stages and is expected to be operational by October 2025.
Currently under construction, the new domestic terminal of Leh Airport will feature the country’s largest geothermal heating and cooling system. This cutting-edge system will provide heating, cooling, and domestic hot water supply, making it a pioneering project in India’s green energy transition.
According to Umasankar, the airport’s expansion also includes an additional bay extension, which will be carried out after dismantling the old terminal. This phase is expected to be completed by next year.
Once operational, the geothermal system will have a thermal capacity of 2,500 kW, supported by 457 boreholes drilled to depths of 110-120 meters. The system has been designed by S.A.P. Automations India Pvt Ltd for the Airports Authority of India (AAI), with project management by EIL India and drilling work undertaken by local firm Feroze Engineering Works.
To further enhance sustainability, the geothermal system will function alongside a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility, making Leh Airport a model for eco-friendly aviation. At an altitude of 3,500 meters, it is one of the highest airports in the world, and its use of geothermal energy aligns with Ladakh’s broader clean energy initiatives.
Ladakh is already a key player in India’s geothermal energy exploration, with the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) undertaking deep geothermal drilling in the Puga Valley. However, drilling efforts in Puga, which began in late 2022, faced setbacks after unexpectedly striking high-pressure steam at shallow depths. Despite this, the region continues to hold immense potential for geothermal energy development.
Apart from its geothermal and solar energy initiatives, the new Leh Airport terminal is designed with a strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. A senior official explained that the southern side of the building is fully equipped with double-glazed unit glasses, while the eastern and western sides have cavity walls made of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks with a 100 mm cavity for insulation. The roof is insulated with 125 mm glass wool for enhanced thermal efficiency.
To optimize natural lighting, skylights have been incorporated into the roof, reducing energy consumption. Fresh air circulation through blowers will ensure passenger comfort during moderate seasons such as April, May, August, September, and October. Additionally, all light fixtures at the airport are energy-efficient LED lights with sensor-based operation.
Other eco-friendly measures at the airport include rooftop solar PV installations, tree plantation using treated sewage water, rainwater harvesting systems to recharge groundwater, and energy-efficient infrastructure like Automatic Power Factor Control (APFC) panels and Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) pumps.
Ladakh receives some of the highest solar radiation levels in India, with minimal cloud cover for most of the year, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. The geothermal-solar hybrid system at Leh Airport sets a new benchmark for sustainable aviation in India, significantly reducing the carbon footprint while ensuring reliable energy supply in one of the country’s most challenging terrains.
