Kerala Minister Champions Energy Independence at International Festival
Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty has declared that attaining self-sufficiency in the energy sector is an urgent contemporary necessity. He asserted that Kerala must lead by example and present innovative, sustainable energy models to the global community.
Inauguration of the International Energy Festival
The minister delivered these remarks during the online inauguration of the third International Energy Festival of Kerala. The event was hosted at the Kufos campus in Panangad, Kochi. The festival's theme, 'Empower, Energy Future,' underscores a forward-looking approach to power generation and consumption.
Green Expo: Showcasing Modern Technologies
The central attraction of the festival is the expansive Green Expo, designed to bring cutting-edge technology directly to the public. Visitors can explore and comprehend modern advancements, including:
- A comprehensive display of electric vehicles
- Advanced solar energy products and systems
- Energy-efficient home appliances
Minister Krishnankutty highlighted the transformative potential of adopting electricity safely and economically in kitchens. He noted that this shift could revolutionize everyday energy habits across households.
Educational Initiatives and Training Sessions
The festival features a robust schedule of educational programs aimed at fostering awareness and skill development:
- E-cooking Training: Practical sessions have been arranged for households and visitors to learn efficient electric cooking methods.
- Safety Awareness Classes: Conducted under the leadership of the Department of Factories and Boilers and the Electrical Inspectorate, these classes cover critical safety standards for boiler operations, electric vehicle charging stations, and battery storage systems.
- Panel Discussions and Seminars: Organized in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute and the Atomic Energy Repairs Association, these sessions significantly enhance the fair's educational value by delving into complex energy topics.
Fostering Innovation and Youth Engagement
A special project expo, organized in memory of Professor V K Damodaran, showcases innovative inventions from energy clubs across all 14 districts of Kerala. Minister Krishnankutty emphasized that this platform is crucial for guiding the younger generation toward creative and sustainable thinking in the energy sector.
Key Participants and Highlights
MLA K Babu presided over the inaugural event. The keynote address was delivered online by Puneet Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department. Other notable speakers included:
- R Harikumar, Director of the Energy Management Centre
- A Biju Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of Kufos
- Anil Kuriakose, Joint Director of the Department of Factories and Boilers
- KT Santhosh, Deputy Chief Electrical Inspector
- Johnson Daniel, Kerala Head of the Energy Management Centre
Further enriching the festival are expert discussions led by international agencies and former scientists from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). These sessions focus on pivotal topics such as the role of nuclear energy and advancements in vehicle safety.
The International Energy Festival of Kerala, a hub for sustainable technology and education, will conclude on February 9.
