The history of Hydro Power development in Kerala begins with the commissioning of Pallivasal Hydro Electric Project in 1940. Next few decades reflected the progressive developments of various hydroelectric schemes implemented in the state. Sabarigiri in 1966 and Idukki in 1976 are milestones of Power Development in Kerala.

As per the seventeenth power survey, there is an additional generation requirement of about 1000 MW for the state during next five years. KSEB has set a target for providing affordable and reliable electricity to all households on demand by 2011. Water is the only commercially viable source for power generation within the State. To ensure reliability of supply as well as energy security, capacity addition in Kerala has to be given due importance. Meanwhile KSEB has proposed to add about 610.50 MW of new hydel capacity during Eleventh plan period.

Capacity Addition during 2010-11

Power System in Kerala consisted of hydel, thermal and wind sources. Hydel energy is the most reliable and dependable source in Kerala. Of the total installed capacity, 2857.59 MW during 2011, the lion’s share of 2040.8 MW of installed capacity comes from 24 hydel stations; 783.11 MW is from the thermal projects including NTPC at Kayamkulam which is Kerala’s dedicated thermal station. Kanjikode wind farm, Palakkad has an installed capacity of 2.03 MW. Wind Energy from IPP is 31.65 MW. Capacity addition made during 2010-11 was only111.40 (4%) that of 2746.19 MW on 2009-10.

For more information: spb.kerala.gov.in