KMRL aims 100% solar, explores potential for solar parks

The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KRML) is mulling employing solar power to meet its power requirements. KRML’s managing director, Loknath Behera, that it has plans to set up solar parks in Alappuzha and Kasaragod. “The idea is to produce 100 per cent power using solar energy. Around 45-50 acres of land in Kasaragod will be utilised to build a solar park,” Behera said. The proposal is under the government’s consideration, and he hopes that it will be approved soon. “A similar park will also be set up in Alappuzha to generate electricity solely for the operations of Kochi Water Metro,” Behera added. The move is part of the company’s step towards reducing operational costs to zero by the next financial year. At present, the solar park at KMRL’s Muttom yard contributes 56 per cent of its energy requirement. With the commissioning of new solar parks, KMRL hopes to meet all its power requirements. “We have plans to generate over 13 megawatts of power from the upcoming solar park at Kasaragod. The discussions regarding the Alappuzha solar plant are in their initial stage,” said an official. The total solar energy generated by KMRL’s solar plants from April 2022 to March 2023 is 1,37,04,345 KWH.