EIACP PC Hub: Kerala
State of Environment and Related Issues

Energy Development

  Energy is an essential input for economic development and improving the quality of life. Development of conventional forms of energy for meeting the growing needs of society at a reasonable cost is the responsibility of the Government Development and promotion of non-conventional /alternative/ new and renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind and bio energy etc are getting sustained attention. Nuclear energy development being geared up to contribute significantly to the overall energy availability in the country.

                  Universal access to affordable power in a sustainable manner is the guiding principle for the Power sector. Sources of power in India range from conventional sources to viable non-conventional sources. Almost 80 per cent of India’s energy requirements are met by coal, oil, natural gas and solid biomass (Source: International Energy Agency). India’s per capita emission is quite low but in absolute terms, it is the 3^rd largest greenhouse gas emitter (country-wise) in the world. Per Capita Electricity Consumption of India in general and Kerala in particular is much below the world average.

               India’s power sources range from traditional ones to sustainable unconventional origins. Over 80 per cent of India’s energy demands are fulfilled by three fuels: coal, oil, and solid biomass (Source: International Energy Agency 2021). The remarkable growth of solar and wind energy capacity of the country has enabled it to maintain its position as a global leader in renewable energy adoption. Today, India stands 4th globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity, with 43 per cent (as on September 30, 2023) of its total installed electricity capacity coming from nonfossil energy sources. (Source: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), GoI). India ranks 67^th in the World Economic Forum energy transition index, which evaluates 120 economies’ energy systems. This index is developed by considering the three energy triangle imperatives-equity, security, and sustainability - while effectively utilizing energy transition enablers.

(Source: World Economic Forum).

Power Sector - Indian Scenario 

           The national grid has an installed capacity of 4,24,288 MW as on August 31, 2023. In India, electricity from thermal energy is the dominant source of power. It constitutes nearly 56.19 per cent of the total installed capacity in the country. Contribution of electricity generation from different sources to the national grid. Of late, renewable sources have emerged as the second largest electricity source in the country, relegating hydroelectric power to the third position.

Installed Capacity (MW) in India 2022-23

                     In the sector-wise breakup of total energy generation as on August 31, 2023, the contribution of the State sector is 1,05,749 MW (24.92 per cent), Central sector 1,01,415 MW (23.90 per cent), and private sector, 2,17,124 MW (51.17 per cent).

Installed Capacity (MW) in India 2022-23, Sector-wise

               India posts the fastest electricity demand growth rate through 2026, among major economies (IEA’s Electricity Mid-Year Update,2024). The national grid has an installed capacity of 4,41,970 MW as on March 31, 2024. In India, electricity from thermal energy is the dominant source of power. It constitutes nearly 55 per cent of the total installed capacity in the country. The contribution of electricity generation from different sources is given below. Recently, renewable sources have emerged as the second largest electricity source, relegating hydroelectric power to the third position.

              In the sector-wise breakup of total energy generation as given in the Table below, as on March 31, 2024, the contribution of the State sector is 1,07,670 MW (24.4 per cent), Central sector is 1,04,453 MW (23.6 per cent), and private sector is 2,29,847 MW (52 per cent).

Power Sector in Kerala

              Kerala is among the Front Runner States in the State Energy Efficiency Index published by Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, Government of India. Though highly dependent on imported power, the State could provide power for all on demand, without imposing on restrictions such as load shedding or power cut. Power development activities in the State are carried out mainly through four agencies, namely, Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL), Agency for Non-conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT), Electrical Inspectorate, and Energy Management Centre (EMC).The Table below shows the details growth of the power system in the State for the last five years.

Growth of Power System at a Glance during 2018-23

                 In Kerala, electricity consumption is predominantly in the domestic and commercial sectors. As per the Energy Data Management report published by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in 2023, in India, the electricity consumption in agriculture is around 18 per cent. In many States, it is above 30 per cent of the total electricity consumption; but in Kerala, agricultural consumption is only 1.7 per cent.

               The primary energy source in the State is hydroelectric power. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in Variable and Renewable Energy (VRE) sources, such as solar and wind, within the energy mix. The State has made significant steps towards implementing various schemes and programmes aimed at establishing a resilient and reliable power transmission and distribution network. The addition of critical infrastructure elements in the electrical network in 2023-24 marked a major milestone in strengthening the State’s ability to manage and sustain increased electricity demands, ensuring a more robust and reliable power supply system for future needs. The growth of the power system in Kerala during the last three years, is given below:

Power Availability:

                The quantum of power available in the State is met from Central Stations, private generators, Power Exchanges and also from internal sources including stations owned by KSEBL, Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Captive power plants (CPPs), and prosumer. Details are given below:

Energy Sources and Quantum Procured during  2022-23

                In Kerala, power supply comes from central stations, private generators, power exchanges, and internal sources including stations owned by Kerala State Electricity Board Ltd (KSEBL), Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Captive Power Plants (CPPs), and prosumers. Details are given in below: