Kasaragod: Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has proposed the establishment of a nuclear power plant in Kerala as a definitive solution to the state’s persistent power crisis. During an interaction with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty, Khattar highlighted Cheemeni in Kasaragod as the ideal location for the project.

The minister emphasised that the project would move forward if 150 acres of land were identified for the plant. Potential sites have been earmarked in Cheemeni and Athirappilly. However, Union minister and Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi, also present at the meeting, pointed out that Athirappilly is slated for a major tourism initiative, making Cheemeni the preferred location. This aligns with regulations prohibiting significant projects, including tourism ventures, within a 1.5-kilometer buffer zone of a nuclear power plant.

In a petition submitted to the Union Minister, the state electricity department has sought assistance from the Centre to establish a thorium-based power plant outside Kerala, with a significant share of the generated power allocated to the state.

Key demands from Kerala
- Increase power allotment from the NTPC Talcher plant to 400 MW between March and June 2025 at the existing rates and extend this availability for 5 years.
- Extend the allotment of 177 MW from NTPC Barh until June 2025, with an increase to 400 MW during April and May.
- Secure a 350 MW share from the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station on a priority basis.
- Provide 40 per cent Viability Gap Funding of the investment required for establishing Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), pumped storage, and hydropower projects.
- Facilitate access to loans from foreign banks at reduced interest rates for energy projects.

Reinstating cancelled power contracts
The state has also urged the Centre to intervene in the reinstatement of four long-term power contracts, collectively ensuring 465 MW of power to the state. The Union Minister assured to look into the possibility of central intervention in this matter. An appeal by the state against the unilateral cancellation of these contracts is currently under review by the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity. Additionally, the state has sought the Centre's help to reinstate these cancelled contracts.