Kerala could become energy independent within 16 years if the State formulated a green power mission to tap into its solar potential, said former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
He was in the city to deliver the M.R. Kurup memorial keynote lecture at the 10th Kerala Environment Congress organised by the Centre for Environment and Development here on Friday.
“The total solar potential in the State would be over 40,000 MW by the year 2030, hence the State has the potential to be energy independent to an extent of 95 per cent in the next 16 years,” Mr. Kalam said. He called for identifying five solar power zones in five different districts of the State, each with a planned installation of 500 MW.
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Kerala has a solar rooftop potential of 10,000 MW at the present efficiency level of 16.5 per cent, which could be increased to 25,000 MW if the efficiency level is improved. Mr. Kalam advocated public-private-participation to take the benefits of rooftop solar power panels even to the rural households. The State has the potential for generating nearly 2,000 MW of wind energy at three spots–Ramakkalmedu, Kanjikode and Attapadi, he said.
He called for the formation of the national energy mission bringing together policy makers, Central and State-level planners, and ministries concerned to ensure coordinated thrust and fast decision making for implementing the overall energy policy of the nation consistent with the demand for 10 per cent growth of the GDP.