‘Vision 2031’ stresses on increased power generation, climate-resilient power infrastructure and new technologies

Increased internal power generation, climate-resilient power infrastructure and adoption of new technologies constitute three core concepts in a draft ‘Vision 2031’ document prepared by the State Power department with an eye on the future.

Presented by Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty at the ‘Powerful Keralam’ conclave in Malampuzha on Friday, the draft document outlines the department’s plans for modernisation of existing hydropower projects, fostering e-mobility initiatives and the seamless integration of renewable energy and energy storage mechanisms into the Kerala power system.

Further, the document reiterates the proposal to explore the possibilities in power generation by utilising the State’s thorium deposits.

Kerala’s plans to develop a regional green hydrogen ecosystem with Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram as hubs under the Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster programme, the shift to ‘Smart Grids’ and service-based digital utility mode also find a place in the document. ‘Vision 2031’ also outlines the government’s intention to attract financial aid to the sector through climate finance and green bonds.

According to presentations made by the Power department at the conclave, Kerala’s electricity demand is projected to reach 10,000 MW by 2030-31. Hydro power amounting to 150.6 MW were commissioned during the past nine years. Construction of 10 other hydro projects worth 187.5 MW are in progress. By 2030, the department hopes to add 92 MW of small hydro and 1500 MW of large hydro to the system.

The Power department also hopes to increase its revenue from hydel tourism to ₹500 crore over the next five years, according to the Vision 2031 document. The dams managed by the Kerala State Electricity Board will be developed into ‘tourism centres,’ it said.