Page 266 - economic review

INFRASTRUCTURE238

Ramakkalmedu (14.25MW) and from a small Hydro Projects Iruttukkanam (4.5 MW), Karikkayam
(15 MW) and Ullunkal (7 MW). Power is also being purchased from co-generation plant of MPS
steel, Kanjikode (10MW) and Philips Carbon Black Ltd., Kochi (10MW). The capacity allocated from
various stations for which the PPAs have been executed is given in the Appendix 5.29.

Transmission

5.95 Transmission of Electricity means a bulk transfer of power over a long distance at high voltage,
generally of 132 KV and above. A good transmission system is necessary to the effective distribution
and to bring power from outside the state. In the Transmission sector, many planned works could
not be taken up due to land acquisition and right of way related issues. The performance of the
construction of substation with various capacities has not achieved the desired target. Out of the
target of 11 numbers of 110 KV substations, only 5 substations are completed and in the case of 33 KV
substations, 3 substations are completed against the target of 14 numbers. In the case of 220 KV
and 66 KV substations, nothing has been achieved. Kerala’s Transmission system consisting of
substations and its connected lines are given in Appendix 5.30 and 5.31.

Improving the Transmission & Distribution Infrastructure

5.96 The transmission and distribution infrastructure also needs to be strengthened to match with
the additional power evacuation requirements and to meet the increasing demand. However, scarcity
of land poses difficulties for constructing more transmission substations and lines. People naturally
protest to drawing EHV line through their property citing damages owing to occupation of land by the
tower footings, destruction of trees and diminishing land value. A higher percentage of forest land in
the state, than the national average, also limits the options in line routes.

5.97 In spite of the above, more capacity is to be created in transmission, for which optimization of
the available right of way should be the first priority. Improving the carrying capacity of lines through
upgradation, changing of conductors, replacing of support structures with stronger and narrow based
towers, together with upgradation of substations are the options to be explored in this regard. In
the case of new lines, narrow based structures /monopole is advisable as they require minimum
footprint. Space constraints will also limit the choice of substations to indoor GIS in town centers.

Strengthening of Interstate Transmission Network:

5.98 In view of the insufficient internal generation, Kerala is highly dependent on the import of power
from outside the state comprising of central sector sources, IPPs and power exchanges. Severe
congestion prevailing in the inter-regional transmission lines connecting the Southern region with
other parts of the country and in the 400 kV transmission lines to Kerala causes difficulty in bringing
power from other states. This calls for urgent steps to complete the ongoing strengthening works
of the inter regional links and other lines connecting Kerala to the national grid, as well as taking
up construction of new lines to augment the transmission capacity of the region. Completion of
the Edamon-Kochi East 400 kV line, Mysore-Kozhikode 400 kV line, strengthening of Kadakola-
Kaniampetta 220 kV line, construction of Uduppi-Mylatti-Kozhikode 400 kV line and Madakkathara-
Kozhikode 400 kV line are urgent requirements in this regard.

Renovation, Modernisation and Uprating (RMU) of old Gener-
ating Stations

5.99 As part of increasing the generation capacity of existing stations, several measures are being
taken. The renovation, modernization and up rating of Sabarigiri Power Station has been completed.

Kerala State Planning Board