Leh Airport to Operate on Geothermal and Solar Energy

Leh Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, India’s first to be powered by geothermal and solar energy, is set to open in October 2025, marking a major step toward sustainable aviation at an estimated cost of INR 650 crore.

According to A. Umasankar, Airport Director and General Manager of Kushok Bakula Rimpochee (KBR) Airport in Leh, the new domestic terminal of Leh Airport, currently in its final construction phase, will feature India’s largest geothermal heating and cooling system, making it a pioneering project in the nation’s transition to green energy. This advanced system will provide heating, cooling, and domestic hot water supply, significantly reducing the airport’s reliance on conventional energy sources.

According to the Airports Authority of India it will begin operations in October 2025, with full-scale operations, including an increase in flights, expected by 2027.

Leh Airport will use both geothermal and solar energy, making it a model for eco-friendly aviation. As per reports, a 500 kW rooftop solar plant is already installed, with 200 kW more planned in the parking area, bringing total solar power to 700 kW. This system will save 2,800 kW of power, reducing the airport’s energy use and emissions. As per reports, it is estimated that the geothermal system will help cut carbon emissions by 900 tonnes per year.

Situated at an altitude of 3,500 meters, Leh Airport is among the highest airports in the world, and its transition to renewable energy sources aligns with Ladakh’s broader clean energy initiatives.

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 handled by EIL India and drilling executed by local firm Feroze Engineering Works.

The airport’s expansion plan 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.

Ladakh is already playing a key role in India’s geothermal energy exploration, with the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) conducting deep geothermal drilling in the Puga Valley. 

With the launch of this geothermal and solar-powered airport, India takes a significant step toward integrating renewable energy into its aviation sector, setting a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure development in high-altitude regions.