Installing solar power systems at domestic airports will need an investment of Rs160 million, according to the estimates of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (Caan).

Caan submitted its feasibility study on equipping all 32 domestic airports and three of its subordinate offices with solar power systems to its board recently.

In the report, Caan has made two proposals—installing normal batteries that would cost around Rs130 million and fitting with deep-cycle, or lead-acid, battery that would increase the cost to Rs160 million. 

Caan said deep-cycle battery would have longer life span of more than 10 years.

Caan Director Birendra Kumar Shrestha, who conducted the study, said if the government allocates the said budget during the upcoming mid-term budget review, the project could be completed within three years.

The airports have been divided into five categories. Under the first categories are the airports in Taplejung, Rukum, Dolpa, Kangel Danda and Thamkharka, which do not have connection to the power grid and are currently running on solar energy.

Each of them requires more than 13,218W power daily. Shrestha said solar installing deep-cycle battery would require an investment of Rs3.75 million for 

these airports.

Under the second categories are airports in remote areas that are connected to the power grid by the electricity supply is irregular.

Airports with low traffic, those in Tarai, and regional airports like Nepalgunj, Biratnagar and Pokhara have been included in third, fourth and fifth categories, respectively. 

Caan’s subordinate offices are Communication and Navigation Department, Civil Aviation Academy and Flight Safety Department.

Shrestha said Jomsom airportm, which requires 29,016W daily, could produce 16,000W if solar panels are installed. “We have proposed using solar power at this airport during power cuts,” he said.

Solar power systems at Lukla and Tumlingtar airports could generate more than 22,000W and 13,000W energy, respectively. 

The airports—which remain busy during the tourist season—demand 50,925W and 21,628W, respectively. “We also can store solar energy. Solar energy could power these airports for at least two days,” he said.

The highest investment of Rs11.2 million has been estimated for Nepalgunj airport, followed by Civil Aviation Academy in Kathmandu—more than Rs10 million. 

According to government officials, a number of countries, including India, and donor agencies have expressed interest in installing solar energy systems at Nepal airports. 

However, Caan officials said they could generate the resources on their own. Of the 50 airports in Nepal, 17 are not in operation.