Kerala’s domestic power generation meets only 17% of demand; State facing 900 MW deficit: Electricity Minister
Kerala’s domestic power generation presently meets only about 17% of the State’s daily electricity requirement, Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday
Kerala’s domestic power generation presently meets only about 17% of the State’s daily electricity requirement, Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. Despite recording substantial growth in electricity generation capacity during the last decade, particularly through renewable energy projects, Kerala continues to rely heavily on power procured from outside the State to meet its rising energy requirements, he added.
According to the Minister, hydroelectric projects have contributed an additional 150.636 MW of installed capacity during the period. The solar energy sector has witnessed the most significant expansion, with 2,492.459 MW of solar power capacity added to the grid. Of this, 233.5 MW was installed by the Kerala State Electricity Board, while the remaining capacity came from private individuals and enterprises, he told the House during the Question Hour.
The Minister, however, pointed out that only 11.43% of the installed solar capacity is translated into actual energy generation. Joseph said the State is currently facing a power deficit of around 900 MW between June 16 and June 30, owing to higher-than-anticipated demand, low reservoir levels and Kerala‘s obligation to return electricity borrowed from other states during March and April. He attributed the situation partly to the impact of the El Nino phenomenon and a weaker-than-expected monsoon.
Besides, the reservoir storage levels have fallen from 47% during the corresponding period last year to 21.22% this year. The scenario has necessitated minor power restrictions in some parts of the State during peak evening hours.
The BriefWire