A Golden Decade Dispelling Darkness
“Kerala’s energy sector has witnessed an unprecedented transformation in its development history over the past decade. Since 2016, the government’s determined interventions have turned challenges into opportunities, propelling Kerala to new shores of energy self-sufficiency. A New Kerala—free of dark homes, load shedding and power cuts—has become reality not through mere promises, but through precise planning and development works worth billions of rupees.”
-K Krishnankutty, Minister for Electricity
Successive Pinarayi Vijayan governments have guided Kerala to an era of self reliance in energy production and management. From 2016 to 2026 alone, KSEBL invested a massive ₹25,102.5 crore in energy development. Alongside, institutions like the Energy Management Centre and ANERT implemented projects worth crores, transforming Kerala’s energy map into a global model.
Fast Commissioning of Hydroelectric Projects
Revitalising the state’s native energy source—hydroelectric projects—was one of this government’s top priorities. Mega ventures like the long-stalled Thottiyar and Pallivasal extension schemes, trapped for decades in legal and technical hurdles, were completed and dedicated to the nation, proving the administration’s resolve. An additional 179.65 MW of power has been added to the grid from hydroelectric projects alone. With ongoing projects like Vellathooval, Perunthenaruvi, Kakkayam, Chathankottunada, and upcoming ones like Mankulam and Chinnar, Kerala will set new milestones in hydropower. We are rapidly advancing toward a target of 690 MW more through the Letchmi project and Sabarigiri extension in the coming years, charting a bold path towards energy self-sufficiency.
New Revolution in Renewable Energy
Kerala stands at the forefront of India in renewable energy today. Solar capacity, which was just 16.49 MW in 2016, has surged to 2,103.07 MW—an astonishing leap. Through the government’s ‘Soura’ rooftop solar scheme, ordinary homes have turned into power generation hubs. Precise coordination ensured lakhs of consumers received ₹1,288 crore in central subsidies via the PM Suryaghar scheme. Installing solar panels on over 3.3 lakh rooftops has made every Malayali a partner in the formation of Nava Keralam. Beyond this, the Kasaragod Solar Park and floating solar plants mark our firm steps toward eco-friendly energy future.
Innovative Solar Storage Systems
To secure future energy needs, Kerala leads the nation by implementing India’s first ultra-modern Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This revolutionary project stores excess daytime solar power and supplies it during high-demand night time peaks. In addition to the country’s first project in Mylatty in Kasaragod district—which provides up to 4 hours of continuous or intermittent power—500 MW storage projects in Kannur, Malappuram and Thiruvananthapuram will be commissioned by 2026. The 250 MW storage system at Brahmapuram, aided by the Power System Development Fund, will elevate our grid security to world-class levels.
Efficient Power Distribution System
Progress is not limited to power generation; we have overhauled the distribution network too. In the past decade, 101 new substations and 3,218 km of transmission lines were established. Providing over 34 lakh new connections has brought development’s light to every common man’s doorstep.
Anticipating future needs, feasibility studies for 14 pumped storage projects totaling 6,580 MW capacity, along with pre-feasibility reports for new sources like Ilaveezhapoonchira, are ready—positioning Kerala as a secure haven for the next generation. Continuing this developmental sprint is essential for the sustainability of Nava Keralam.