KSEB plans three hydel projects

Kozhikode: Three hydro-electric projects that would conform to the stringent norms for environmental preservation laid down by the United Nations are in the pipeline. Officials of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) are keen on ensuring that these projects meet the standards of the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change. KSEB authorities are looking for a validation agency of the three small hydro-electric pilot projects being taken up for implementation under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) prescribed by United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) in its Kyoto protocol.

SMEC International of Australia has already been appointed to render advisory services for registration of the projects under the CDM. The validation by an independent agency accredited by the UNFCCC is mandatory for registration of the projects under the CDM.

The pilot projects are in Chathankottunada, near Vadakara; Vilangad; and Kakkayam. The Chathankottunada-II project near Vadakara is proposed to have an installed capacity of 6 MW and an annual generation potential of 14.76 million units. The Vilangad small hydro-electric project will have an installed capacity of 7.5 MW to generate 22.63 million units annually.