The Government of Kerala has launched a comprehensive initiative to accelerate energy efficiency and promote renewable energy across the state. The initiative aims to make Kerala a national champion in combating climate change while delivering cost-effective and high-quality services to consumers. The state has set ambitious targets to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and 100% renewable energy by 2040.
To achieve these goals, the government will deploy cutting-edge energy efficiency technologies and scale up renewable energy adoption. Key initiatives include:
1. Installing Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in government buildings to reduce grid dependency and optimize solar energy utilization.
2. Exploring BESS installations at Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) substations to support peak-load management.
3. Deploying high-efficiency LED streetlights and expanding public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the state.
4. Converting 25,000 government buildings into energy-independent prosumers by solarizing them and integrating BESS.
5. Introducing amendments to building codes to enforce energy conservation measures in new and existing buildings.
6. Promoting energy-efficient appliances for beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and Life Mission housing schemes.
7. Electrifying the government vehicle fleet and exploring Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology to supply power during peak demand periods.
8. Implementing energy efficiency measures for the Kerala Water Authority (KWA), including energy-efficient pumping systems and potential BESS integration.
The government will collaborate with national agencies such as the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) to achieve these goals. The initiative is expected to reduce the financial burden on the state exchequer, generate revenue, and create a sustainable energy future for Kerala.
The state’s efforts are part of a larger national movement to combat climate change, and Kerala’s success can serve as a model for other states to follow. The government has urged all concerned departments to proactively initiate time-bound Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for the swift implementation of these energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. The state has also appreciated the efforts of the BEE in achieving a reduction of 321 million tonnes of CO2 emissions at the national level during 2023-24.