The Chembukadavu project I in North Kerala, India is the first of the string of 14 small hydroelectric projects undertaken by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), in collaboration with Hang Tso International Centre in China.
In the first phase, the 2.7 MW mini hydroelectric project is expected to yield 6.59 million units. Without using a reservoir, the water in the Chaliya river is channeled through a weir, tanks, and pipes to a powerhouse to generate electricity. The first four out of the 14, Chembukadavu I, Chembukadavu II, Urumi I and Urumi II will be comissioned by the end the year,. Chemukadavu I and Chembukadavu II have warranted an investment of Rs 11.38 crore and Rs 12.72 crore and are envisaged to yield 6.59 million units and 9.03 million units respectively.
UNIDO's setting up of its regional small hydroelectric power base in Thiruvananthapuram has enhanced Kerala's investment potential in the cost-effective small hydroelectric power. The contribution of the UNIDO's southern hub will primarily be in planning and in facilitating soft loans for mini hydel power projects.[1] [2]