In 2011, amidst growing electricity shortages and Kerala’s ambitious developmental goals, the state’s Electricity Minister, Aryadan Muhammed, revisited a proposal from the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government for a thermal power project in Cheemeni, a quiet village in Kasaragod. Seeking an environmentally friendlier alternative, he replaced coal with LNG (liquefied natural gas) as the fuel source. Ironically, the Left, which had just lost power, vehemently opposed the revised project.
What would surely make Aryadan turn in his grave is the fact that his vision would be resurrected 15 years later — but this time, by the very people who had once opposed it. And not just resurrected, but rebranded and escalated into a deadly nuclear power project.
A history of political irony
Back in 2011, irony had already died a thousand deaths when the CPI(M), despite its earlier endorsement, suddenly opposed the Cheemeni power plant even after Aryadan had ruled out coal as the fuel. The Minister had prioritised environmental concerns and opted for LNG, despite concerns about high running costs. Yet, the then CPI(M) Kasaragod district secretary, KP Satheesh Chandran, flatly rejected the project, citing potential environmental damage. Aligning itself with local resistance movements, the party vowed to block the project in any form.
Fast forward to 2024, and the CPI(M)-led government made a proverbial U-turn. The very site once deemed unfit for LNG is now being championed as a suitable place for a nuclear power plant. This dramatic reversal signals not just a policy shift but a fascinating evolution in the Left’s ideological stance on energy.
Adding to the intrigue is the location itself — Cheemeni lies between the historic Communist memorials of Kayyoor and Karivalloor, symbols of the Left’s legacy of resistance against exploitation. Now, these same landmarks frame a nuclear project — a technology the Left once branded as “dangerous and elitist”. The contradiction is striking and underscores the complex politics surrounding energy policy in Kerala.
The nuclear push: Politics meets feasibility
In August 2024, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) mandated the Bengaluru-based National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) to begin feasibility studies for nuclear plants in Cheemeni and Athirapilly. By December 2024, the Union government had shown interest in approving the Cheemeni project if sufficient land was made available. Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal Khattar identified Cheemeni as a “more favourable” site, citing strategic location and low seismic activity as key advantages.
However, the nuclear power proposal has triggered a fierce debate, reflecting the complex interplay of energy demands, environmental concerns, and public sentiment.
Read: Activists protest proposed nuclear plant in Kerala’s Cheemeni
The first and foremost concern is Kasaragod’s high population density. The spectres of Chernobyl and Fukushima loom large in public discourse, fuelling fears that even a low-probability, low-radiation nuclear mishap could devastate thousands of lives. The region’s unpredictable wind patterns further amplify worries about wider radiation dispersal in the event of an accident.
Adding to the unease is Kerala’s fragile ecosystem. Kasaragod, nestled in the Western Ghats, is part of a highly sensitive ecological zone. Even minor environmental disruptions here can trigger long-term consequences. Seismic vulnerabilities add another layer of risk, while the scarcity of land makes large-scale acquisitions politically and socially contentious.
The state government argues that Kerala’s energy deficit demands bold solutions. With Kerala producing only 3,500 MW – about 30% of its electricity needs – and spending over Rs 15,000 crore annually on imported power, the attraction of nuclear energy is clear. It offers low emissions, energy stability, and long-term cost advantages over coal and LNG.
Kerala possesses untapped renewable energy potential. While the state has heavily relied on hydroelectricity, it is yet to fully leverage its abundant solar, wind, wave, and ocean thermal resources. Expanding solar parks and rooftop installations, coupled with improved energy management, could present a safer, more sustainable path without the environmental and social risks of nuclear power.
Two major nuclear facilities — Kudankulam (Tamil Nadu) and Kaiga (Karnataka) — are already undergoing capacity expansions. With enhanced transmission networks, these plants could easily supply Kerala with additional power, eliminating the need for a new nuclear project within the state and in a region with high population density.
The economics of nuclear power: A risky bet?
The financial feasibility of nuclear energy remains a contentious issue. Nuclear plants come with astronomical construction and operational costs, long-term waste management challenges, and persistent inefficiencies. Critics argue that nuclear power in India has often over-promised and under-delivered, raising serious concerns about its economic viability.
Given these concerns, opposition to the Cheemeni nuclear plant has been swift. Local communities, environmental activists, and anti-nuclear groups have voiced strong objections, pointing to the long history of public mistrust toward large-scale nuclear projects.
Interestingly, alternative nuclear strategies have emerged. Kerala is rich in thorium deposits, a crucial resource for next-generation nuclear reactors. Instead of hosting a plant, Kerala could contribute thorium to India’s nuclear programme, playing a supporting role in the nation’s energy strategy while avoiding local risks. After all, not every state needs to host a nuclear plant — some can supply critical resources instead.
As Kerala stands at an energy crossroads, the Cheemeni decision will have far-reaching consequences.
Will the state embrace nuclear power — a high-risk, high-reward path fraught with environmental and social complexities? Or will it double down on renewables, enhancing solar, wind, and efficient power management for a safer, more sustainable future?
The outcome will shape Kerala’s energy policy for generations to come and serve as a defining test of its commitment to environmental stewardship, public trust, and long-term sustainability.
Ameer Shahul is the author of ‘HEAVY METAL: How a Global Corporation Poisoned Kodaikanal.’ His next book ‘VACCINE NATION: How Immunisation Shaped India’ is due this summer.
Views expressed are the author’s own.