Study says Kerala needs major investment to end thermal power reliance
Kerala would need at least 27 gigawatts of new renewable capacity and an estimated ₹64,890 crore to rely entirely on renewable, hydro and nuclear power by 2040, a WRI India study says. The report warns that the target will be difficult because much of the State’s electricity currently comes from thermal plants elsewhere.
Kerala may face significant challenges in becoming fully renewable-energy based by 2040, according to a study by WRI India. The study estimates that the State would need at least 27 gigawatts of additional renewable capacity to meet projected demand without thermal power support. The required investment is estimated at ₹64,890 crore, 96 per cent more than under a business-as-usual scenario.
The report, titled “Pathways for Kerala’s Clean Energy Transition”, was released at a workshop organised by the Kerala State Electricity Board and WRI India in Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala aims to become 100 per cent renewable-energy based by 2040 and carbon neutral by 2050. However, around 60 per cent of its electricity demand is currently met by thermal power plants located in other States.
Wind, solar and small hydro accounted for 7 per cent of the electricity mix, while large hydro and nuclear supplied the remaining share identified in the report. The study recommended rapid deployment of different renewable technologies, long-term renewable power agreements with generators outside the State and decentralised renewable solutions. It also said Kerala might need private and international finance.
Greater private participation in distribution and stronger consumer involvement in energy governance were identified as important to the transition. The study assessed several possible pathways. Under a business-as-usual scenario, electricity demand was projected at 35,668 million units in 2030 and 56,057 million units in 2040, with generation shortfalls emerging after 2035.
A high-renewables scenario would raise renewable generation to 26 per cent but leave thermal power with a 37 per cent share in 2040. A low-thermal pathway could produce significant shortages by 2034, while another pathway could raise renewable generation to 48 per cent but still leave thermal power at about 29 per cent.
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