Kerala Seeks Dedicated Power Plant and Renewable Boost from NTNTPC

Facing escalating power cuts, Chief Minister V.D. Satishan’s administration is pressing NTPC for a dedicated generation facility that would serve Kerala’s long‑term electricity requirements. The proposal was tabled during a high‑level meeting in the national capital, where both sides examined options ranging from coal‑based generation to green‑energy integration.

Key elements of the plan include a 2,000 MWh battery storage hub at Kayamkulam, co‑funded by the Kerala State Electricity Board, NTPC and NTPC Green Energy Ltd. Additional 80 MWh storage sites are scheduled for Pothencod and Shrikandapuram, with a target operational date of March 2027. The storage assets are expected to enhance grid resilience and support renewable‑energy uptake.

NTPC also consented to deliver 300 MW from its Sinhar plant at a competitive rate of ₹5.18 per unit. Moreover, the Kerala government requested expedited clearance for NTPC’s 27 MW solar project in Kayamkulam and discussed a potential power purchase agreement linked to NTPC’s Ramagundam plant.

The developments arrive as opposition leaders intensify criticism over the state’s handling of the power crisis. Nonetheless, officials stress that the blend of extra power imports, renewable projects and large‑scale storage forms a comprehensive strategy to meet immediate demand and safeguard future energy security.