- Friends, Namaskaram Kerala! Just a few days ago I was in Kerala to inaugurate key projects of the petroleum sector.
- Today, thanks to technology, we are connected once again. We are taking important steps in the development journey of Kerala.
- The development works starting today are spread across the state. They cover a wide range of sectors.
- They will power and empower this beautiful state, whose people are making rich contributions to India’s progress.
- The two thousand megawatts state-of-the-art Pugalur–Thrissur High Voltage Direct Current system is being inaugurated today.
- This is the first HVDC inter-connection of Kerala with National Grid. Thrissur is an important cultural centre of Kerala.
- Now it will also be the power center for Kerala. This system will facilitate transfer of large quantum of power to meet the growing power demand of the State.
- It is also the first time the VSC converter technology has been introduced in the Country for transmission. It is indeed a moment of pride for all of us.
- Friends, Internal power generating sources in Kerala are seasonal. This makes the State largely dependent on import of power from the National Grid.
- This gap had to be bridged. The HVDC system helps us achieve this. Now there will be access to power with reliability.
- It is equally important to strengthen Intra-State transmission network for delivery of power to the households and industrial units.
- There is one another aspect which makes me happy about this project. The HVDC equipment used in this project have been made in India.
- This make our Atmanirbhar Bharat movement stronger. Friends, We are not just dedicating a transmission project.
- We have a project of producing electricity also. It is a pleasure to dedicate yet another clean energy asset of 50 megawatts capacity – the Kasaragod Solar Project.
- This will be a step in achieving the green and clean energy dream of our country. India is devoting great importance to solar energy.
- Our gains in solar energy ensure: A stronger fight against climate change. A boost to our entrepreneurs.
- Work is also underway to connect our hardworking farmers with the solar sector – make our annadatas also Urjadatas.
- Under PM-Kusum Yojana, over 20 lakh solar power pumps are being given to farmers. In the last six years, India’s solar energy capacity is up 13 times.