The Hindu Business Line : Hydel projects to help tide over power crisis

The State Government is in the process of overcoming the power crisis in the State and has prepared plans to add 500 MW in the installed capacity from hydel projects during the 11th Plan, according to Mr A.K. Balan, State Electricity Minister.

The expected increase in demand for the next five years has been estimated at more than 1,000 MW and this statistics will clearly lead to a conclusion that Kerala has to concentrate on generating more power, the Minister said, while speaking at an investors meet on renewable energy here organised by CII.

The State Government, Mr Balan said, is finding it difficult to go ahead with several hydel projects in Athirappilli, Pathrakadavu and various small hydro projects with Chinese assistance on account of stiff opposition from various environmental groups.

However, the Government is determined to achieve the target by clearing suspicion in the minds of those opposed and to convince them about the power crisis faced by the State, he added.

Kerala is mainly depending on hydro electric potential. Out of the yearly electrical energy requirement of about 13,500 million units, the State is generating about 6,000 to 7,000 million units from hydel projects.

Low tariff

Due to lower tariff prevailing in the State, utilisation of thermal stations has become economically unviable, he added.

One of the major avenues before the Government is to fill the gap between demand and supply of energy is nothing other than non-conventional sources or renewable sources, the Minister said.

Wind energy

The major renewable source of energy available in the State is through wind.

The Government has amended the guidelines and liberalised the procedures for issuing technical clearance for wind farms considering the assessment study of Centre for Wind Energy Technology that the wind potential of Kerala is more than 600 MW, the Minister said.

With the growing demand in the energy sector, the Government had also applied for allocation of a coal block before the Union Government and the Coal Ministry had allotted a coal block at Baitharani West in Orissa.

The State estimates addition of around 1,000 MW by installing a coal-based generating station, he said.

Apart from power generation, the Government is also taking effective measures in the area of strengthening transmission networks and distribution activities.

The Government also planned to implement a rural electrification project at a cost of Rs 343 crore from this year.