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.