The Moolamattom power plant, a crucial component of the Idukki hydroelectric project and the largest hydropower station in Kerala, is scheduled for a month-long shutdown for vital maintenance. This means no electricity will be generated at the facility from November 11 to December 10.
Official sources indicate that the primary tasks during this period will involve addressing a leakage in the butterfly valve and carrying out necessary repairs on the powerhouse’s two main inlet valves. These critical repairs necessitate a complete shutdown of the plant.
Originally, these maintenance works were planned for July. However, they were postponed due to heavy rainfall in the Idukki dam’s catchment areas. A shutdown at that time would have forced the opening of the dam’s shutters to comply with the rule curve, a measure the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) aimed to avoid.
The KSEB typically generates maximum power during certain periods, sharing it with states like Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi on a barter system. The understanding is that this power, plus an additional 5%, will be returned in November. This arrangement is expected to help the state manage its electricity demands while the Moolamattom plant is offline. During the closure, a nightly shortage of approximately 600 MW is anticipated.
The current scheduling of repairs in November is based on the month’s weather forecast. The water level in the Idukki reservoir is presently at 2,385 feet, with the rule curve set at 2,400 feet from November 20. Should weather conditions change unexpectedly, the board will explore alternative plans for the maintenance.
The plant’s temporary closure will also lead to a reduction of 3 million cubic meters (MCM) of water in the Malankara dam. The KSEB is in discussions with the water authority to implement measures that ensure water security for the region during this period.
The urgency of these repairs is paramount. An official emphasized that if the work cannot be completed within the scheduled timeframe, the board might not be able to undertake these essential tasks again until July of next year.