Solar Set to Surpass Hydro in Kerala’s Renewable Energy Mix: KSEB

Quick Summary

• Kerala’s renewable energy mix is witnessing a shift, with solar power rapidly approaching hydropower in dominance.
• hydropower currently contributes 50% of the State’s renewable energy composition (2284.42 MW), while solar power accounts for 47%.

– Rooftop solar power generates 1397.12 MW (30%).
– Ground-mounted and external sources add 787.35 MW (17%), including approximately 300 MW imported from outside Kerala.

• Wind power is the fourth contributor,generating just 146.53 MW (3%).
• Solar generation has surpassed hydropower during daytime hours in terms of energy output to the grid.
• “Prosumers” (those both consuming and producing electricity) export about 75.53% of their solar-generated energy back to the grid during daytime hours; domestic consumers alone contribute up to 79%.

– In specific figures, prosumer exports rose considerably: from exporting 309 million units in FY2022-23 to 877 million units expected by FY2024-25 during daylight operations.

• renewable sources account for 65% of Kerala’s total electricity availability, coal accounts for 31%.

Indian Opinion Analysis

kerala’s rapid growth in solar adoption highlights a meaningful transformation within its renewable energy portfolio and reflects strong local interest in enduring practices such as rooftop-based installations among prosumers. This trajectory could soon make solar overtaking hydropower certain, especially given its remarkable performance during peak daylight generation periods.

However, managing large-scale surplus exports poses logistical challenges for state utilities like KSEB, which now grapple with absorbing excess grid input by prosumers beyond local consumption needs-a phenomenon capable of stressing distribution systems over time unless adapted policies are implemented effectively.

As coal remains critical at nearly one-third dependency statewide apart realities those metrics suggest caution required balancing renewables integrating compatible timelines broader larger frameworks.& reinforcing far-by shifting perhaps India-level spotlight resiliency strengthens practicality scaling practically proportional-focused grids aims stability measurable