Govt mulling 'solar move' to overcome power crisis

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is planning to rely more on solar power to overcome the state's power crisis. The electricity generated by Purappura solar cannot be used at night due to the lack of a solar power storage system. Therefore, in addition to the six battery energy storage (BES) systems currently under construction, the move is to set up more across the state.

BES construction is underway at Mylatti (125 MW), Mulleria (15 MW), Areekode (30 MW), Pothencode (40 MW) and Brahmapuram (250 MW). The total investment is Rs 3000 crore. In addition, more BES will be set up by utilising KSEB land across various districts.

There is also a move to establish it in all panchayat centres. More bases can be established, including on the land of the Kozhikode diesel plant. Floating solar plants in water bodies will also be expanded. The attempt to expand the solar potential is being made, considering that it is not easy to increase production from hydroelectric projects and establish new ones. Although discussions on nuclear power plants were raised, in the assessment done, it was deemed difficult to implement.

1. The aim is to set up more BES by utilising the Centre's Viability Gap Fund (VGF). Last year, KSEB had written to the Union Ministry of Power.

2. The BES to be set up by NTPC in connection with the Kayamkulam thermal power plant will also become a reality soon. Discussions with KSEB are in the final stages.