The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is scouting for a Designated Operational Entity for validation of the three small hydro-electric pilot projects in the state being taken up for implementation under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

The KSEB has already roped in SMEC International of Australia for providing advisory services for registration of the projects under CDM. The validation by an independent agency accredited by the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change is mandatory for registration of the projects under CDM.

The three projects are Chathankottunada-II, Vilangad small hydro-electric project and Kakkayam small hydro-electric project.

While the Chathankottunada-II small hydro-electric project (SHEP) with an installed capacity of 6 MW has an annual generation potential of 14.76 million units, 7.5-MW Vilangad SHEP is likely to generate 22.63 million units per annum. The Kakkayam SHEP is likely to have an installed capacity of 4 MW with an annual generation potential of 9.68 million units. It is being developed on the right bank of the existing Kuttiyadi Additional Extension Scheme.

All these projects have been conceived as run-of-the-river schemes, which will ensure that there will be no damage to the ecosystem in the surrounding areas.

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KSEB mulls over Cheemeni power project (21-Nov-09)