Kerala's power crisis may soon see relief, with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar suggesting a nuclear power station in the state. The proposal came during a meeting with State Power Minister K Krishnankutty, where Kerala's thorium deposits and power demands were discussed.
Kerala relies heavily on hydro-electric projects and neighboring states for power. Khattar proposed the nuclear plant, provided Kerala provides land. However, Kerala Power Ministry sources clarified that the state didn't request a nuclear plant, but utilization of thorium deposits.
Kerala Power Minister Krishnankutty presented various demands:
- Financial aid for infrastructure expansion
- Increased power supply from Central pool and Talcher Power Plant
- Contract extension for Barh Super Thermal Power station supply
- Viability Gap Funding for hydroelectric and power plants
- Supply from Rajasthan's nuclear power station
- Shared expenses for Power Grid Corporation's HVDS
- Central support for underground power cables in major cities
The union power minister positively considered these demands, pending analysis. Kerala requires 10,000 MW power by 2030, exceeding its domestic production capacity.
