Keralam has set a target of meeting 100 per cent of its electricity requirements from renewable sources by 2040 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The Carbon Neutral Kerala 2050 Pathway, prepared by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change with Vasudha Foundation, places the state two decades ahead of India’s national net-zero target of 2070.

The roadmap proposes a major expansion of solar and wind generation, large-scale energy storage, grid modernisation and decentralised clean-energy systems. It also envisages increased electrification of transport and industry, improved energy efficiency and the use of green hydrogen in sectors where emissions are difficult to eliminate.

Keralam’s transition faces significant resource constraints. Its internal renewable potential is estimated at 18.92 GW, including 12.40 GW of ground-mounted solar, 2.62 GW of onshore wind, 2.47 GW of conventional hydropower, 0.65 GW of small hydro and 0.78 GW of biomass. The state currently depends heavily on electricity purchased from coal-fired and other generating stations outside its borders.

The pathway plans 50.52 GW of solar and 11.28 GW of wind capacity, supported by 21 GW or 153 GWh of storage. Electricity demand under the carbon-neutrality scenario is projected to reach 123.70 TWh by 2050, while the grid emission factor is expected to fall from 0.58 kgCO?e per kWh in 2021 to nearly zero by 2040.

Officials associated with the exercise said long-term interstate renewable power agreements would remain essential because local resources cannot meet projected demand. The roadmap also calls for investment in transmission, grid flexibility and electricity markets, along with assessments of floating solar, agrivoltaics, rooftop solar and offshore wind. Storage would be needed to manage intermittent generation and reduce curtailment as renewable capacity expands. Implementation will require sustained participation from government, industry, academia, local bodies and communities, while maintaining environmental safeguards and energy security.