klset backdrop sept 29

While Kerala aspires to become a 100% renewable energy-based state by 2040, electricity consumption is rising each year due to the developmental activities and new, unplanned demands, including the adoption of electric vehicles and increased cooling requirements driven by higher temperature. At present, approximate 26% of Kerala’s electricity requirement is met by renewable energy sources, including large hydro and the remaining share is met mainly from thermal power plants. On the other hand, the renewable energy sector in Kerala is also growing, the solar photovoltaic installed capacity has increased from 150 MW to 2600 MW in the last 5 years.   However, detailed understanding of future electricity demand, and innovative strategies are required to cater the increased electricity demand from renewable energy sources in the near future.

Understanding this need, WRI India started the research initiative - Sustainable Energy Transition - in Kerala to bolster Kerala's efforts in increasing the share of green energy in its energy mix through a systemic approach. This initiative involved collaboration with state agencies such as KSEBL, ANERT, EMC, Navakeralam Karmapadhathi and multiple local governments to devise strategies and solutions for sustainable energy transition. Extensive research was conducted on future electricity demand projections and potential renewable energy integration opportunities to source the demand from renewable energy resources; transforming electric vehicle charging with green electricity; and energy transition at local level.

In this context KSEBL in partnership with WRI India is hosting a one-day High level conference on Pathways of Kerala’s clean energy transition on September 29, 2026 at hotel Dimora, Thiruvananthapuram. The event will deliberate and discuss the expected demand growth in the future and potential renewable energy integration opportunities; transforming electric vehicle charging with green electricity; strategies to shift EV charging from green energy resources; and energy transition at local level.