New Delhi: The Kerala government is in the final stages of approving its Green Hydrogen Policy and Integrated Power Policy as part of a broader strategy to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2040 and achieve net carbon neutrality by 2050, a senior state official announced, reported EnergyWorld.com.
Speaking at the ET Energyworld Solar Power Congress, K R Jyothilal, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Kerala, emphasized the state’s commitment to a decentralized and diversified energy approach, driven by strong policies, infrastructure development, and public participation.
“Our Green Hydrogen Policy is awaiting cabinet approval, and we are also preparing the Integrated Power Policy. Energy needs to be viewed holistically—not just as electricity or fuel but as an integrated system,” he stated.
Kerala has set clear targets for its energy transition, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2051 and 100% renewable energy by 2040. The state has made significant progress in rooftop solar adoption, achieving a 99.9% growth rate over the past year.
“As of now, 270,000 people have registered for rooftop solar installations, and we have completed 70,000 installations. In the last year alone, we ordered nearly 275 MW of solar capacity,” Jyothilal said.
The government has disbursed ₹442 crores under its rooftop solar program and empanelled 1,026 MSME vendors, a move expected to create around 55,000 jobs in the sector by 2030.
He also highlighted Kerala’s focus on energy storage, describing it as “storage by the masses.” The state aims to ensure that excess solar power does not overload the grid, encouraging decentralized storage solutions.
Kerala has also made strides in electric mobility, setting up 76 free EV charging stations and providing free electricity for autos and taxis.
“We now have a 12% growth rate in electric two-wheelers, and we have surpassed 250,000 electric vehicles. Our goal is to reach 1 million EVs,” he added.
The state has pioneered several renewable energy initiatives, including the world’s first fully solar-powered airport in Kochi, India’s first electric boat, and the country’s first hydrogen-powered boat.
“We built India’s first electric boat with KfW funding and recently launched the country’s first hydrogen boat with a fuel cell developed by KPIT,” Jyothilal said.
To optimize land use, Kerala is expanding floating solar and canal-top solar projects.
“Our Floating Solar Policy has been approved. We have identified a potential of 6,000 MW across 60 reservoirs and 3,572 MW on canal tops,” he explained.
The state is also piloting vehicle-to-grid technology and open energy interface systems in collaboration with the India Smart Grid Forum and the Nandan Nilekani Foundation.
In tribal areas disconnected from the main grid, Kerala has introduced microgrids powered by solar and wind energy.
“We have identified 870 families deep in the forests and installed microgrids to ensure they have access to electricity,” he said.
To make renewable energy more accessible, Kerala is leveraging low-cost NABARD loans and government-led investments to minimize upfront costs for farmers and low-income households.
“Instead of requiring farmers to pay for installations, the government takes the loan, installs the system, and repays it using revenue from DISCOMs. After seven years, the system becomes the farmer’s property,” Jyothilal explained.
He also invited stakeholders to the Global Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Summit in Kochi on March 12-13, where over 85 global experts will discuss climate change solutions through electrification and green technologies.
With these initiatives, Kerala is positioning itself as a leader in India’s renewable energy transition, reinforcing its commitment to a sustainable future.
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