WIND ENERGY IN KERALA

The first commercial wind mill farm in Kerala will be officially inaugurated on April 27, 2008. The farm is being set up at Ramakkalmedu, a tourist spot lying between Thekkady and Munnar in the Idukki district of Kerala. This place has vast areas of barren land and is blessed with uninterrupted and high velocity wind. The farm will initially consist of 7 wind mills, 7 more units are expected soon, and will eventually contain a total of 20 wind power units. Each wind mill requires about 2.5 acres of land, will cost about Rs. 4.1.5 million, and produce 1500 kWh of electricity when working at a maximum speed of 24 rpm. The farm is expected to supply electricity to the nearby Kallar sub-station of the Kerala electricity Board. Vestar India, an arm of Vestar Denmark is providing technical support to the project. Though the initial cost of installation of the wind mill is high, it will compensate the cost by reducing pollution, waste, and ecological damage, as compared to thermal, atomic and hydro-electric power plants. (Source: The Hindu, April 21, 08)