Thiruvananthapuram, July 30: In a significant move to address Kerala's growing power demands, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and the state's Power Department are actively exploring the establishment of the state's first nuclear power plant.
Preliminary Discussions and Potential Sites
On July 15, KSEB chairman Biju Prabhakar led a delegation to Mumbai for preliminary discussions with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL).The talks focused on the feasibility of establishing two 220-megawatt nuclear reactors at a single site, with potential locations including Athirappally in Thrissur and Cheemeni in Kasaragod.
The estimated cost for the project is around Rs 7,000 crores, with the KSEB seeking a 60% grant from the central government to cover construction costs.
In a parallel development, the Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), responsible for India's fast breeder reactor program, has expressed interest in building reactors in Kerala and has written to the state's Chief Secretary to identify suitable land.
Rationale Behind Nuclear Power
The decision to explore nuclear power comes as Kerala faces a severe power crisis, with internal generation meeting only 30% of the state's demand.In the 2023-24 fiscal year, Kerala spent a staggering Rs 13,280 crore on power purchases. The KSEB projects that the state will need to generate 10,000 megawatts of electricity by 2030 to meet its growing needs.
KSEB chairman Biju Prabhakar stated, "Nuclear power is our best option, and we will also receive central subsidies for it." He emphasized that nuclear power is a safe and viable technology, citing the stringent safety norms enforced by regulatory bodies like the Atomic Energy Commission.
Government's Stance and Public Concerns
Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty clarified that while the discussions with NPCIL took place, the state government has not yet taken a policy decision on establishing nuclear power plants. He stressed the importance of public consensus and support for such a project.The Minister acknowledged the ongoing debate about nuclear energy, highlighting concerns regarding safety and environmental impact. He assured the public that Kerala is already receiving power from nuclear plants across India, including 266 MW from the Kudankulam plant in Tamil Nadu.
Looking Ahead
Kerala's options regarding nuclear power are expected to be discussed at a meeting convened by the Additional Chief Secretary (Power) this week. The state's decision will be influenced by factors such as land availability, public opinion, and the central government's willingness to provide financial support.The KSEB's move to explore nuclear power aligns with the Union government's recent announcement to partner with the private sector for developing small modular reactors and new nuclear energy technologies.
As Kerala grapples with its energy needs, the state's foray into nuclear power marks a significant development that could reshape its energy landscape in the years to come.
