Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 14 (IANS) Kerala, which relies heavily on hydroelectric power, has begun initiatives to tap wind energy as another source of electricity.
K. Suresh Kumar, an official of Suzlon Energy Ltd, said the state had the potential to generate 600 MW of electricity through windmills.
"We have submitted a proposal to the government to produce 20 MW of wind energy at Palakkad where we have purchased 400 acres of land. If we get the sanction this month, we are certain this can be done by March 31," Kumar told IANS.
Of the total installed capacity of 2,617 MW, hydroelectric power constitutes 1,811 MW. Among the 30 power generating stations in Kerala, 24 are hydro-based, five are run on thermal power and one functions on wind power.
Electricity Minister A.K. Balan said the government was open to windmill power generation and the state-owned agency for non-conventional energy and rural technology had been entrusted with the job.
"We are getting offers from a few windmill companies. The problem today is that these companies actually sell windmill turbines. The real investor is yet to turn up," said Balan.
The windmill that now generates 2 MW is owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board. It was commissioned in 1995.