Airports Authority of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Energy Efficiency Services Ltd. (EESL) to replace existing lights with energy efficient LED lights at various airports and buildings of AAI recently. The MoU was signed by Shri. Anil Kumar Sharma, Executive Director (Engg), AAI and Shri. Saurabh Kumar, Managing Director, EESL in presence of Shri. Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra, Chairman, AAI and senior executives of AAI and EESL. ESSL is the implementing agency of UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All), world’s largest zero-subsidy domestic LED bulb programme.
The MoU entails the replacement of conventional light fixtures with LED fixtures on deemed energy savings based on Energy Service Company [ESCO] model where upfront investment is done and recouped on annuity basis during project period of five years by EESL. The entire project is estimated to cost approximately Rs. 24.41 Crores. EESL will carry out warranty replacement for a period of 05 years.
AAI has completed replacement of LED fitting for an expenditure of Rs. 16 crores in Phase-I under National LED program launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi. Through this replacement drive, approx. saving of 20 million units or Rs.14 crores approx. will be achieved. This will lead to huge energy conservation and cost savings for AAI Airports.
During signing of MoU, expressing his happiness, Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra, Chairman, AAI said “Around 20% of the total electricity consumption in Airports goes for lighting loads. The replacement of existing lighting by LED lights by EESL, will bring huge benefits to AAI in terms of power savings, reduced energy bills. This MoU will ensure low capital cost of LED lights as EESL is large aggregator of demand”.