Thiruvananthapuram, April 8 (NationPress) The Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT), the state nodal agency for renewable energy in Kerala, is making considerable progress in executing central government initiatives designed to foster sustainable energy.

ANERT is diligently implementing the PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) scheme to enhance solar energy application in agriculture.

This program concentrates on existing agricultural pumps and the installation of standalone solar pumps in off-grid regions, aiding in the reduction of reliance on traditional electricity and diesel.

"This scheme boosts energy security for farmers and encourages sustainable agricultural practices," stated N.N. Veluri, CEO of ANERT.

"It is anticipated to play a crucial role in achieving Kerala’s renewable energy objectives while directly benefiting the agricultural community," Veluri added.

Under the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, ANERT has accomplished the full solarization of all suitable public buildings within the limits of Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. More than 500 buildings have been fitted with rooftop solar systems, contributing a cumulative capacity of 18 MW.

"This initiative is expected to greatly lower electricity expenses for public institutions and diminish the state’s dependence on external power sources," Veluri stated, emphasizing, "It’s a significant advancement toward energy self-sufficiency and sustainability in Kerala."

Furthermore, the Green Income Scheme, initiated by ANERT, aims to support disadvantaged and marginalized groups, including BPL families, Scheduled Castes, fisherfolk, women-led households, and small landowners. Under this initiative, 2kW and 3kW rooftop solar systems have been installed in nearly 2,000 homes.

"These systems have helped save Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) approximately Rs 8 to 9 lakh monthly in revenue and have afforded households an additional income of about Rs 5,000 annually," Veluri remarked.

The initiative also promotes electric cooking through the provision of induction cooktops, enabling families to reduce their LPG expenditures.

ANERT is also leading the state’s ambitious floating solar project, a vital component of Kerala’s pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and fulfill 100 percent of its energy needs through renewable sources by 2040.

"To facilitate this ambition, guidelines have been established for the creation of floating solar plants on reservoirs, backwaters, and non-arable lands," Veluri noted, adding, "ANERT has been appointed as the nodal agency for project implementation and technical approvals. A proposed Single Window Clearance system will further streamline approvals and expedite project execution."

Kerala has also established its presence on the global renewable energy stage through its Green Hydrogen Valley Statement of Ambition (2035), developed by ANERT in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The project encompasses the introduction of both fuel-cell (FC) and hydrogen internal combustion engine (HICE) vehicles, with two hydrogen refueling stations planned along state highways as part of the Hydrogen Highways initiative.