Kerala govt poised to tap renewable source of energy: Balan

Kochi, Aug 20 (UNI) Reiterating the importance of wind as a renewable source of energy for Kerala, Electricity Minister A K Balan said the state government has chalked out comprehensive plans to produce power through wind to bridge the gap in the energy sector.

Addressing a gathering at an 'investors meet' on renewable energy' Mr Balan said as per the assessment of C-WET (Centre for Wind Energy in Chennai), wind was a major renewable sources of energy which could produce atleast 600 MW of power.

The minister said around 16 locations were identified to tap wind energy and the government had amended guidelines and liberalised the procedures for issuing technical clearance for the wind projects.

'' The government has given technical sanction for 17 MW wind farm projects for Ramakkalmedu in Idukki district and Agali in Palakkad district, Mr Balan said.

If any developer or investor wants to install wind generators, Agency for Non-Conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT) would process and issue proper clearance within three months from the date of submission of application if all documents were in order, the minister said.

'' Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) being the transmission licencee in the state will provide transmission facilities and issue connectivity approval at the earliest'', he said.

State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) would fix the purchase tariff from wind generators as per the rules, he said.

The government had also announced the 'Total Energy Security Mission' to integrate the activities of local self-governments, energy management centre, ANERT and KSEB to co-ordinate and orient them for a total energy planning of the state.

Besides, the government proposes a massive initiative in decentralised energy production through bio-gas production and bio-mass gasification, the minister said.

Apart from this, the government would encourage energy conservation in the state and distribute about 10 lakh CFL bulbs at a cost of Rs 15 each to replace the energy consuming traditional bulbs, which would help in saving 500 MW of energy.

He said the government would also take initiative to strengthen the transmission and distribution networks to increase efficiency.

The government was also planning to add 500 MW in the installed capacity from Hydel Project in the 11th plan.

UNI