The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has entered the solar energy generation sector to meet the growing power deficiency in the State. Construction of a 1-MW solar plant began at Panampully, Kanjikode, near here, on Sunday.
The plant, visualised as a joint venture with the government, will be ready for power generation in six months. The government will meet the cost, expected to be Rs.8 crore. It decided to become a partner after the board failed to get financial assistance from the NABARD. The plant is coming up on a vacant plot located close to the KSEB’s 220-kV substation at Kanjikode.
Though the 2013-14 budget earmarked funds for the project, its implementation was delayed owing to technical hurdles. The amount will be used for installation of solar power generation units on the plot. The board has plans to start similar units on plots located close to substations and powerhouses.
