The Centre for Wind Energy Technology, Chennai, functioning under the Ministry of New and renewable Energy, has set up wind monitoring stations at more than 20 locations in Kerala. This is part of a study being conducted by the CWET to exploit wind energy in the State. The equipment to measure wind speed and availability at various seasons have been set up mostly in Idukki, Palakkad and other northern districts of Kerala .Gopalapuram, Kadampuzha, Kanjikode, Kotamala and Kuttikanam are among the places where the studies are being held. Ramakkalmedu in Idukki has been identified as one of the high potential areas in the State. Places like Vizhinjam and Ponmudi have also been included in the list of centers chosen for conducting studies, according to sources at the CWET.
Logistics land availability and grid availability are some of the key factors to be examined before starting wing energy projects. It will be ideal if the Government embarks on infrastructure development prior to venturing into wind power projects in some of the identified places, according to experts. Renewable energy can contribute significantly to Kerala's power needs. As per current estimates, wind power can add 800MW. In the next five years, Kerala can add at least 500MW, according to G.M.Pillai, a former State Government official, who is associated with the energy management projects in the Sate.
(The Hindu 22/12/06)
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