SOURCE: AFI
In a significant move to address the state’s growing electricity demand, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has initiated discussions to establish the state’s first nuclear power plant. The project aims to generate 440 megawatts of power through two units, each with a capacity of 220 megawatts.
A high-level KSEB delegation met with officials from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) in Mumbai to explore the feasibility of the project. The state government is eyeing potential locations such as Athirappally in Thrissur and Cheemeni in Kasaragod for the plant.
The proposed nuclear power plant is estimated to cost around Rs 7,000 crores and could be operational within five years. The KSEB has requested a 60% grant from the central government to fund the project.
Kerala, despite having a generation capacity of 3,200 megawatts, currently produces only around 1,800 megawatts. A recent KSEB report predicts the state will require 10,000 megawatts by 2030 to meet its growing energy needs.
While the nuclear power plant is a long-term solution, the KSEB is also exploring the possibility of purchasing 450 megawatts of power from existing nuclear plants in Kudankulam or Rajasthan. However, this would require a competitive bidding process.