Kochi: Adding a renewed energy to the future Kochi Metro, a solar field capable of generating 2,719 KW of power has been commissioned at Muttom Yard. The project helps to develop 44 per cent of power required for the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL). The solar panels were installed in the four hectares of swampy land of Muttom Metro Yard.
With the new development, Kochi Metro, which used to generate 2,670 Kilo Watt of solar energy, has now been raised to 5,389 KW. From next year 60 per cent of power consumption of KMRL will be taken from the sun.
A P M Mohammed Hanish, Managing Director of KMRL, while launching the facility at Muttom, said that it was not just about making profit out of the initiative. “In fact the project drives home the message that all institutions and households can attain self-sufficiency in generating the electricity of their requirement.
The project is implemented in association with AMP Solar Ventures Private Ltd for a contract of 25 years. It is expected that the solar project would pocket an annual profit of over Rs 1 crore. Once the projects are completed the profit margin is likely to go up. The Kochi Metro also has plans to install solar panels atop the ramp towards Muttom Metro yard, beside the track at the Muttom and on the compound walls. In future the remaining portion of four hectares at Muttom Yard would also be utilised for solar project.
