Power crisis: Government to focus on solar power and BESS projects

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government is planning to give more importance to solar power and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects to address the state’s power shortage. Solar energy is being considered a key solution, as increasing the capacity of existing hydroelectric projects cannot be achieved quickly and new projects cannot be launched immediately. BESS systems will help store electricity generated during the day and supply it during nighttime and peak demand hours.

Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph highlighted this during his statement in the Assembly on Wednesday. He said BESS projects at Mylatti, Sreekandapuram, Mulleria, Areekode, Pothencode and Brahmapuram will be commissioned this year. These projects will help store the maximum possible power for use during peak demand hours.

The major challenge faced by Kerala is that domestic power generation has not increased despite a rise in electricity consumption.

No companies ready to supply low-cost power

Companies are not ready to enter into long-term agreements to supply cheaper electricity round the clock. During the Oommen Chandy government’s term, a long-term agreement was signed for 465 MW of power. However, the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission cancelled the agreement, citing procedural violations. This further worsened the power crisis.

The electricity under that agreement was priced at Rs 4.29 per unit. During peak hours, electricity prices rise above Rs 12 per unit. From this month until December, the electricity purchased by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) through short-term agreements will cost around Rs 10 per unit.