Centre ready to approve nuclear power plant in Kerala if land is available
Thiruvananthapuram: Union Energy Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has announced that the Centre is ready to approve a nuclear power plant in Kerala, provided the state allocates 150 acres of land for the project. During a press conference, the minister identified Cheemeni in Kasaragod as a potential location, citing its suitability for such an initiative. The minister's visit was part of a broader review of electricity and urban development activities in the state.
The Union Minister emphasized that establishing a nuclear power plant could alleviate Kerala's electricity crisis. "The Centre is prepared to offer all possible assistance if the land is made available," he said. Sources in the Energy Department revealed that the minister questioned why a nuclear power plant should not be considered as a viable solution.
State’s position and potential sites
The Kerala government is yet to make a policy decision regarding the nuclear power plant. However, earlier proposals from the Energy Department and the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) had suggested potential sites, including Athirappilly in Thrissur and Cheemeni in Kasaragod. KSEB envisions generating 440 MW of power through two 220 MW plants, estimating the project cost at ₹7,000 crore, with a request for the Centre to bear 60% of the expenses.
KSEB Chairman Biju Prabhakar has already held preliminary discussions with the Atomic Energy Corporation. According to officials, the project could be completed within 10 years if approved.
Opposition and alternative proposals
The proposal has faced opposition from Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi, who argued against the Athirappilly site, stating that a major tourism project akin to Disneyland is planned for the area. This has added complexity to the discussions.
Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty has stated that any decision on a nuclear power plant will require public consensus. "We can only proceed if there is a general agreement among the people," he told Mathrubhumi. He also mentioned the possibility of constructing a plant outside Kerala using thorium, a resource abundantly available in the state.
The road ahead
While the Centre is keen on supporting the project, the state government has not yet included the nuclear power plant in its formal submissions to the Union Minister. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan met Union Energy Minister during the review meeting but did not discuss the matter.
The debate over a nuclear power plant in Kerala highlights the balance between addressing energy needs and respecting environmental and social considerations. With both opportunities and challenges on the horizon, the project’s future remains uncertain.