Kerala turns to battery storage to bridge 900 MW power gap amid weak monsoon
The Kerala government will prioritise the implementation of battery energy storage systems (BESS) to address peak demand issues in the state's power sector, Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph informed the State Legislative Assembly on Wednesday. The state faces a shortage of approximately 900 megawatts (MW) due to weak monsoon rains and increased demand.
Five of the six planned BESS projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2026, providing 1,500 MW of storage capacity. The projects are located at Mylatti, Sreekandapuram, Mulleria, Areecode, Pothencode and Brahmapuram. While studies are underway to enhance hydropower capacity and implement pumped storage projects (PSP), these initiatives will take more time, the minister said.
The power curbs were necessitated by the weak southwest monsoon, which adversely impacted inflows into hydro project reservoirs. El Nino-linked hot weather conditions caused a spike in power demand across India, leading to shortages in the electricity market. Although the projected daily demand for Kerala was 4,100 MW, it rose to 4,900 MW. The state receives 1,701 MW from Central Generating Stations (CGS) and 612 MW from long-term contracts, but still faces a deficit of about 900 MW. Additionally, until September, Kerala must return electricity through swap arrangements, returning 6.58 million units daily to meet summer demand.
Current storage in hydel reservoirs stands at 21%, equivalent to 870 million units (mu), compared to 59% (2,475 mu) during the same period last year. The state's average daily consumption is 88 to 90 mu, with internal generation contributing only 15 to 19 mu. Thus, 82% to 83% of daily consumption is met through electricity imports, the minister noted.
Mr Joseph said the approval given by the State Electricity Regulatory Commission on Monday for power purchases to meet the deficit from June 15 to December 31 would help address the crisis to an extent. He urged cooperation from all stakeholders, including the public, to reduce power consumption during peak hours.
