Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Opens India’s First Supercapacitor Plant in Kannur
On Tuesday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated India’s first supercapacitor manufacturing facility at Keltron Component Complex Limited (KCCL) in Kallyassery, Kannur. This marks a significant milestone for both Keltron and India’s electronics sector.
Keltron’s Role and Achievements
Speaking at the event, CM Vijayan highlighted Keltron’s role as a model public sector undertaking in the electronics and IT industry. He noted that Keltron, established in 1974, has set a precedent for other public sector organizations in India. The Chief Minister emphasized Kerala’s leadership in various sectors, including being home to India’s first IT park, digital university, and graphene centre.
Collaboration with ISRO
The supercapacitor manufacturing plant was developed in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). CM Vijayan expressed gratitude for ISRO’s role in this initiative. The facility, with an initial investment of Rs 42 crore, is expected to boost Kerala’s status as a hub for electronics industries and support the country’s defence and electric vehicle sectors.
Future Plans and Investments
The Kerala government has ambitious plans for the electronics industry, with an additional Rs 1,000 crore to be invested in expanding production capacity and modernizing existing facilities. A master plan worth Rs 395 crore has been drafted for Keltron’s modernization, with several key projects nearing completion. The government is also working on connecting national highways to establish an IT corridor and developing an electronics hardware manufacturing park at Amballur.
Production and Impact
The new facility will manufacture high-quality, indigenously made supercapacitors with applications ranging from electric vehicles to space missions. KCCL will produce up to 2,000 supercapacitors daily, meeting global standards and aiding India’s growing demand for advanced electronic components. The facility is expected to generate an annual turnover of Rs 22 crore and an annual profit of Rs 3 crore within four years.
Inauguration Ceremony
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Minister for Industry and Law P Rajeev, with Keltron Chairman N Narayana Murthy detailing the project’s scope. Former Minister EP Jayarajan attended as a special guest, along with several other notable figures, including MLA M Vijin, Kannur District Panchayat President PP Divya, and KCCL Managing Director KG Krishnakumar.
Doubts Revealed
Kerala -: Kerala is a state in the southern part of India. It is known for its beautiful backwaters, beaches, and rich culture.
CM -: CM stands for Chief Minister. The Chief Minister is the head of the government in a state in India.
Pinarayi Vijayan -: Pinarayi Vijayan is the current Chief Minister of Kerala. He is a leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
Supercapacitor -: A supercapacitor is a device that stores a large amount of electrical energy. It can charge and discharge much faster than regular batteries.
Kannur -: Kannur is a city in the state of Kerala, India. It is known for its historical significance and beautiful landscapes.
Keltron Component Complex Limited -: Keltron Component Complex Limited is a company in Kerala that makes electronic parts. It is part of the Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation.
ISRO -: ISRO stands for Indian Space Research Organisation. It is India’s space agency, responsible for space research and satellite launches.
Defence -: Defence refers to the military forces and systems used to protect a country. It includes the army, navy, and air force.
Electric vehicles -: Electric vehicles are cars or other vehicles that run on electricity instead of petrol or diesel. They are better for the environment because they produce less pollution.
Rs 1,000 crore -: Rs 1,000 crore is a large amount of money in Indian currency. One crore is equal to 10 million, so 1,000 crore is 10 billion rupees.
