Kerala PSUs to switch to solar power

The Kerala government is going all out to source solar energy for a number of state-owned public sector undertakings (PSUs). Ten more such units under the department of industries are looking to switch over to solar energy soon. These include Travancore Cochin Chemicals, Steel and Industrial Forgings Ltd, Steel Industries Ltd, Malabar Cements, Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd, Sidco and Kinfra are in the fray for solar switch-over, said P K Kunhalikkutty, minister for industries.

According to estimates, solar panels installed at the premises of these PSUs can collectively generate around 2,940 Kw, informed V Somasundara, additional chief secretary (Industries and Commerce).

Inaugurating the switching over of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) to solar energy, the minister said KSIDC had set up a model for other organisations by switching over to sustainable, clean energy. He added that green energy, water conservation and waste management were the three focus areas of the government as part of natural resource conservation.

The installed system has a capacity of 32 kWp (kilowatt peak) and is expected to generate 120 units of electricity per day on average. State-owned Keltron, which has over 30 years of expertise in the field of power electronics, has commissioned the system and will take care of its maintenance and technical support.

KSIDC managing director Tom Jose said the system was expected to help KSIDC save around Rs 4 lakh annually. "It is a one-time investment, the system is guaranteed to function for the next 20-25 years. Solar energy technologies are evolving at a rapid pace and the costs involved are likely to reduce even further," he said.

Green energy was a key area of focus for the "Emerging Kerala Global Connect" held in September last year. A majority of investors had shown keen interest in the sectors of alternative energy, and waste and water management.