NHPC’s ₹260-crore West Kallada solar plant to go operational by March 2027
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The 50 MW floating solar power project being implemented by the central public sector undertaking National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) at West Kallada is expected to be commissioned in March 2027.
Kodikunnil Suresh MP, who is also a member of the Standing Committee on Central Public Sector Undertakings, said that the official cost of the ₹260-crore investment project stands at ₹259.716 crore, which includes five years of operation and maintenance. The facility aims to generate approximately 99 million units of electricity in its first year, with March 2027 targeted as the expected commercial operation date.
Although this ambitious initiative was initially launched in 2013, its progress faced significant delays due to various challenges over the years. Momentum picked up when NHPC and the Kerala State Electricity Board Limited(KSEBL) signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) on April 8, 2025, followed by the foundation stone laying ceremony for the floating solar project on March 11, 2026. Currently under active construction, the project encompasses the development of grid connectivity infrastructure, including a dedicated transmission line to link with KSEBL’s 110 kV transmission network. The contract also guarantees comprehensive operation and maintenance by NHPC for a five-year period once operational.
The project site spans approximately 291 acres of water body in West Kallada, designed to generate clean energy by deploying floating solar panels across the water surface. Alongside the power initiative, West Kallada panchayat authorities plan to turn the adjacent region into a major tourism hub by introducing water sports and boating across an adjoining 100-acre section of the water body. “This marks the beginning of large-scale renewable energy development in the Mavelikara constituency. We also plan to explore expanding green energy projects to more local bodies across the region in subsequent phases,” said Mr. Suresh.
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