: Energy Management Centre Kerala (EMC) has initiated work on a programme to establish hydroelectric projects with public participation and investment from local government bodies. A template for the programme is under preparation, EMC sources said. The endeavour offers a first-of-its-kind opportunity to the public to invest in infrastructure projects and to enjoy returns on investments.
The programme was announced by Governor P. Sathasivam in his address to the State Legislative Assembly on March 6. EMC sources said that if a panchayat had the potential for hydroelectric project it could apply directly to the organisation, which will do the ground work. The government, through EMC, will buy 26 per cent stakes in the project.
The panchayat or the local body concerned will invest an equal amount. The rest of the shares will be held by the public.
The investors are assured about 14 per cent return on their investments given that energy prices are bound to go up in the future, sources said. Investors can more or less be assured that their investments can recouped within five to six years.
The new model has great prospects in areas where access to electricity is difficult. A small project generating between one and five kW of power will be sufficient for a small community or a village. It is estimated that Kerala has the potential to generate 700 to 800 mw of power from small hydel generation facilities.
Kerala State Electricity Board is now developing 13 small hydroelectric projects with a total capacity of 195 mw.
The programme offers a first-of-its-kind opportunity for the public to invest in infrastructure projects and to enjoy returns on investments.
