Kerala is planning a major expansion of solar power generation and battery energy storage systems to address the state’s worsening power shortage, Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph said.
The state’s power demand has risen sharply, reaching around 5,200 MW compared with about 4,000 MW during the same period last year. The 1,200 MW increase has put additional pressure on Kerala’s power system.
The government plans to increase renewable power generation while accelerating battery energy storage projects. These systems can store electricity generated during periods of high solar output and make it available during peak-demand and non-solar hours.
Kerala has already been working to fast-track battery storage projects to address peak-hour shortages. The state has also been strengthening long-term power procurement to reduce its dependence on short-term purchases during periods of supply stress.
The push for solar and storage comes as Kerala faces a wider demand-supply challenge, with low rainfall affecting hydropower generation and high temperatures driving up electricity consumption. Recent power restrictions have highlighted the need for additional generation and storage capacity.
The expansion of solar generation combined with battery storage is expected to help Kerala improve energy security, reduce dependence on conventional power sources and manage peak electricity demand more effectively.
