Kerala is sitting on at least 2,000 megawatt (MW) wind energy. The vast resource is being wasted for want of a policy to set up wind turbines for power generation. The government is yet to tap wind power in Ramakkalmedu where a private enterprise had set up wind turbines a few years ago.
Ramesh Kymal, Chairman, Renewable Energy Council, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), who had been associated with the Ramakkalmedu wind project for producing 25 MW power, told The Hindu that the place can generate another 250-300 MW. “Wind power generation is strong in most States, but the sector is weak in Kerala though the State gets strong winds,” Mr. Kymal said. In fact, winds originating in Kerala go to Tamil Nadu through the Palakkad pass. If this is properly utilised, about 1,500 MW can be generated at Walayar and nearby areas, according to him.
“The Ramakkalmedu wind turbines are doing well now. It has become a tourist spot as well. Kerala has been marketing tourism with an environment-friendly tag and can benefit much from wind power projects,” he said.
Electricity is a State subject. The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission has already given guidelines on tariff for power generated from wind. It is for the States to implement them. While other States are giving tariff commensurate with the commission guidelines, Kerala is yet to prepare a policy.
“I can bring at least 1,500 MW of wind power to Kerala with investment from outside the State, including Gulf countries. We are not saying that the government should buy power from these projects. Let the industry use that power. Let the government allow the industry to buy. But if the government is keen on buying it, let there be a better price. It has to be part of the Electricity Act,” he says. In fact, the price, which should be at least Rs.4.25 per unit, will be less than the one being paid for power from NTPC, Kayamkulam, according to him. The power generated with naphtha at Kayamkulam is being bought at Rs.7 now while the tariff offered by Kerala for power generated from wind is less than Rs.4 now. The KSEB can take handling charges for making use of the grid, he says.
“Kerala has strong wind, but not widespread. The Walayar area itself has 2,000 MW power potential. Setting up a thermal plant would be very expensive in Kerala because the State will have to bring in coal,” Mr. Kymal said.
A plan for setting up wind turbines to produce 250-300 MW at Ramakkalmedu is being submitted to the State. “Kinfra owns land there. It could be leased out,” he said.
1,500 MW in 3 years
About 1,500 MW could be produced by wind energy stations in Kerala in three years if the government provides a facilitating environment. “We need support for getting land. We have already pioneered the ‘footprint policy,' by which only that part of land where the turbines are located will be acquired. So, we don't have to buy the whole land. We buy only the footprint,” Mr. Kymal said.
