THODUPUZHA: Idukki will be the power bank of Kerala if the second power plant (800 MW) at Moolamattom becomes a reality. With the doubling of production in the Idukki hydropower project, the power shortage in the state will be alleviated to some extent. The detailed project report (DPR) will be submitted to KSEB in December by WAPCOS (Water and Power Consultancy Services Limited), a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Water Resources. The global tender will be called in March. Construction could begin in 2024. It will take 4-5 years to complete. The cost is Rs 2,670 crore.

The average daily power consumption of Kerala is 83.05 million units. Domestic production is 28.45 million units. KSEB is buying 54.60 million units from outside. It costs 24- 25 crore per day. With the new plant, the profit will be at least Rs 5 crore per day. When the dam fills up during floods, there will be no need to discharge much water.

The current plant has a capacity of 780 MW. The new one will have four generators with a capacity of 200 MW each. With this the installed capacity of Idukki will be 1580 MW. The new underground plant will be located near the existing plant at Moolamattom. After power generation, the water will be released into the Malankara reservoir. Failure of 40-year-old generators in the existing powerhouse is a daily occurrence. Months ago, there was an explosion inside the powerhouse and power was cut off for hours. With the new plant, there will be a solution to this.