Keralam Targets 100 PC Renewable Energy by 2040
Around 26 per cent of the state's current electricity demand is met from renewable energy sources
Thiruvananthapuram: Keralam aims to meet its entire electricity demand through renewable energy by 2040, with KSEB exploring ways to expand clean energy generation.
A workshop jointly organised by KSEB and the World Resources Institute (WRI) India discussed the state's rising power requirements and ways to increase the share of renewable energy in meeting overall electricity demand, a press release said on Tuesday.
The workshop comes amid a steady increase in Keralam's power demand, driven by development activities and changing patterns of energy use.
Around 26 per cent of the state's current electricity demand is met from renewable energy sources. Demand is expected to rise further with the increasing number of electric vehicles, greater use of air conditioners as temperatures rise and other factors.
The workshop examined pathways to increase Keralam's reliance on renewable energy while ensuring the reliability of its electricity system.
Kerala State Electricity Board Generation and REES Director Rajan M P said the 2040 goal was achievable if the state recognised its growing energy demand and adopted a coordinated approach backed by scientific planning.
"With an understanding of the increasing energy demand and concerted efforts backed by scientific planning, the goal of relying entirely on renewable energy sources by 2040 is not impossible," Rajan said.
He said integrating renewable energy into the power system while maintaining grid stability was one of KSEB's key priorities.
"The workshop and the study report shed light on the path towards that goal," he said.
A study titled 'Pathways for Kerala's Clean Energy Transition', prepared by WRI India, was released at the workshop.
The study examines the expected increase in Keralam's energy demand by 2040 and explores various ways of meeting the requirement through renewable energy sources.
The discussions brought together officials and experts from various sectors involved in Keralam's energy transition, such as KSEB, Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT), and local self-government institutions.
Representatives of WRI India and experts from the renewable energy sector also participated in the workshop.
The initiative seeks to provide a roadmap for Keralam to expand its renewable energy capacity while preparing its electricity system to meet growing demand and maintain grid stability.