Kerala to tap into hydrokinetic power generation

Energy Management Centre shortlists two companies to implement project

The Energy Management Centre (EMC) Kerala has shortlisted two companies for installing hydrokinetic energy generation projects in the State with two pilot installations of 25 KW each in an irrigation canal associated to the Malampuzha dam in Palakkad district and another facility, possibly close to the lower Periyar hydropower generation facility. The selected entities will be instrumental in replication, in a phased manner, of the projects at potential sites across the State.

EMC sources said that the centre had been authorised by the Kerala State Power Department to identify the companies for the hydrokinetic energy projects through a call for expression of interest earlier this year.

Hydrokinetic installations tap the kinetic energy of the flow of the water in a stream or river, irrigation canals or even water released from conventional hydroelectric projects to produce electricity. These flows of the water installations generate power from the horizontal flow of water.