Significant investment needed to increase Kerala’s power generation capability
The Hindu
Kerala State Electricity Board estimates ₹42,800 crore investment needed to add 7750 MW capacity by 2030.
Augmenting Kerala’s internal power generation capability is not going to come cheap, if a Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) estimate is any indication. The power-deficit State, which has seen a sharp increase in electricity demand in recent years, will need an investment of about ₹42,800 crore for adding 7,750 megawatts (MW) to its installed capacity for power generation, according to the state-run power utility.
The KSEB estimate gains significance in the context of a plan to raise the capacity to 10,000 MW by 2030.
The investment projections are tied to per-MW costs for establishing hydropower, wind, solar and pumped storage projects (PSP) and battery energy storage systems (BESS). KSEB chairman and managing director Biju Prabhakar presented the estimates at a public hearing held by the State Electricity Regulatory Commission last week on proposals for revising the electricity tariffs.
In 2023-24, the State’s installed capacity – KSEB units and other sources combined – stood at 3,419 MW. Mr. Prabhakar’s presentation at the hearing covered “immediate investments needed” spanning different power sources, including those in the KSEB wish list such as BESS and offshore wind energy, for adding another 7,750 MW.
The KSEB estimate calls for an investment of ₹12,000 crore each for adding 1,500 MW through hydropower projects and 2,000 MW through PSPs. In wind energy, 370 MW can be added in onshore projects at ₹2,200 crore, 50 MW through offshore wind projects at an estimated ₹800 crore, and 30 MW via vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) projects with an investment of ₹300 crore. Ground/floating solar projects will require an investment of ₹2,500 crore for adding 500 MW, while 3,300-MW BESS projects will require ₹13,000 crore.
The per-MW cost of establishing the projects vary for the power sources, ranging from ₹4 crore per MW for BESS projects to ₹ 15 crore-₹17 crore/MW for offshore wind projects. For hydel projects, the mainstay of Kerala’s internal power generation, it is estimated at ₹6 crore to ₹8 crore per MW.
Current capacity accounts for only about 30% of Kerala’s electricity requirement. The spending on power purchases to fill the demand-supply gap rose from ₹7,393 crore in 2016-17 to ₹11,241 crore in 2022-23 and ₹12,983 crore in 2023-24, according to the KSEB.
Through perseverance, and even a form of doughtiness, Stella Maris college has made it to number two on eBird’s checklists leaders’ roll for Chennai in 2025. On December 27, around 2.15 p.m., when this edition was rushing with winged feet to the press, Stella Maris campus stood with 442 checklists for 2025, with only Adayaru Esturary ahead of it with 451 checklists.
Alliance talks between NCP (SP) and NCP for Pune civic polls have stalled, jeopardizing collaboration ahead of January elections.
PM Modi chaired a national conference with Chief Secretaries, discussing governance reforms and strategies for enhancing India's human capital.
Gangster Vinay Tyagi dies from gunshot wounds; family alleges police involvement in conspiracy to seize his property.
Explore the ongoing disillusionment in Tamil Nadu's higher education, marked by leadership vacuums and unresolved faculty issues.
Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister emphasizes fast-tracking RDSS projects and safety measures to enhance power supply and employee welfare.
BJP's V.V. Rajesh becomes Thiruvananthapuram's Mayor, marking a historic win in Kerala's Corporation elections.
Experience Carnatic music in a coffee shop setting, fostering community and connection for both enthusiasts and newcomers.
The Hindu Morning Digest gives a select list of stories to start the day. Read the top news today on December 28, 2025
Political parties and citizens express outrage as 24 lakh voters are excluded from Kerala's electoral rolls during the SIR process.
Supreme Court to hear suo motu case on Aravali Hills definition amid concerns over mining and ecological impact.
Residents and tourists in Yercaud demand urgent repair of non-functional street lights for safety amid increasing visitor traffic.
Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi meets Amit Shah and J.P. Nadda in Delhi to discuss organizational expansion and Bihar's development.