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5.119 Even though the Government and KSEB explored various options to set up a power plant INFRASTRUCTURE
using the Baitarni coal at locations outside the State, these efforts did not materialize. Considering
the grave power scenario of the state, it is very essential that steps are taken to find a way forward
in implementing the Cheemeni coal based project.

Petcoke based Power Project at Kochi:

5.120 The proposed capacity expansion of BPCL’s Kochi Refinery is expected to yield as residue 1.4
MTPA of petcoke, which has been recognized as a commercial fuel suitable for power generation.
Proposal for setting up a power plant of about 500 MW capacity utilizing the petcoke is under
consideration of the Government. Detailed feasibility report shows that economic power generation
is possible if the conversion process is held closer to the source to minimize the transportation cost.
Steps are being taken for the implementation of the power project. The requirement of land for a 500
MW petcoke power project is 150 acres, which is available close by under the ownership of FACT.

Wind Energy Projects:

5.121 Though there is large potential for developing wind energy in the state, the results in this
regard so far is not very promising. It is estimated that Kerala has a potential of developing about 700
MW of wind energy, whereas the installed capacity is only 33.68 MW at present. Though there was
enthusiasm in tapping wind potential for a short period in the past, it is dampened now apparently
due to the issues related with land availability as well as difficult terrain at the potential sites. It is also
pertinent that development of transmission infrastructure for the wind projects is suffered by the twin
disadvantages of high cost and low utilisation. Notwithstanding the above, all efforts are to be taken
in extracting the maximum from the available potential.

5.122 In this regard, the MoU signed by the Government with NHPC for the development of wind
energy projects in the State assumes importance. 82 MW capacity is proposed to be developed on
BOOT basis at Nallasingam and Kottathara villages in Palakkad district. Revenue land required for
the project will be transferred on lease to NHPC, as required, at the applicable rates fixed by the
Government. Patta / tribal land involved are proposed to be made available on a ‘right to use’ basis to
NHPC. 5% of the income generated from the sale of electricity generated from the wind mills installed
in tribal lands will be paid to the respective tribal land owners.

Agency for Non-conventional Energy and Rural Technology
(ANERT)

5.123 Agency for Non-conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT) is an autonomous
body under the Power Department, Government of Kerala. ANERT is also the nodal agency for the
implementation and propagation of Non-Conventional sources of energy in the State.

5.124 The programmes taken up by ANERT includes Solar photovoltaic programmes, Solar thermal
programmes, Wind energy programmes, Biogas programmes , Improved Chulha programmes,
Publicity and awareness programmes. The assistance from Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
(MNRE), Government of India is also available for these schemes based on MNRE guidelines.

Achievements of ANERT

• The construction of the headquarter building of ANERT in Thiruvananthapuram
was completed.

Economic Review 2014