Minister for Power Aryadan Mohammed has said that the state will announce an exclusive solar energy policy within a few weeks, during the session on ‘Energy, Including Green Energy and Environmental Technologies’ at the ‘Emerging Kerala’ meet on Thursday.
“The policy is in its final stages and it will be announced soon,” said the Minister. He said that the policy will facilitate private investment and measures would be taken to provide incentives for the investors interested in the sector.
“The government will launch 10,000 solar homes in the state as a pilot programme under the National Solar Mission,” he said. Stressing the need for green energy in the state, the Minister emphasised that facing the challenge of climate change is the only way forward for the state.
The Minister said green cities and energy self-sufficient homes were the way forward and hence roof-top solar energy panels, smart metering and energy efficient technologies would be encouraged in the state.
“We have as many as 44 rivers that have the potential to produce 800 MW energy through small hydro-power projects. At the same time, Kerala has the highest wind speed in the country, which could be harnessed to produce 720 MW energy,” he said. Progressive, green, low carbon and flexible forms of energy are the way forward, he said. Principal Secretary for Power Elias George said the state would also bring out a new hydel-power policy and renewable power policy.