Kerala CM unveils India’s first supercapacitor manufacturing facility in Kannur

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Kerala CM unveils India’s first supercapacitor manufacturing facility in Kannur

Kerala CM unveils India’s first supercapacitor manufacturing facility in Kannur

Industry News
Oct 07,24

With an initial investment of Rs 420 million, the plant is expected to enhance Kerala’s position as a hub for the electronics industry and support the country’s defence and electric vehicle sectors.

Kerala CM unveils India’s first supercapacitor manufacturing facility in Kannur

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the country’s first supercapacitor manufacturing facility at Keltron Component Complex Limited (KCCL) in Kallyassery, Kannur, on October 1. The Chief Minister praised Keltron as a model public sector undertaking (PSU) in the electronics and IT industry, noting that it has been setting benchmarks for other public sector entities since its inception in 1974.

The launch of this facility is a major achievement for Keltron and India’s electronics sector. “It is a matter of pride that Keltron, the nation’s first electronics manufacturing company, is now home to India’s first supercapacitor production unit,” said Vijayan.

The project was developed in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and the Chief Minister acknowledged ISRO’s contribution to the initiative. With an initial investment of Rs 420 million, the plant is expected to enhance Kerala’s position as a hub for the electronics industry and support the country’s defence and electric vehicle sectors.

Vijayan outlined the Kerala government’s ambitious plans for the electronics industry, which include an additional Rs 10 billion investment to expand production capacity and modernise existing facilities. A master plan worth Rs 3.95 billion has been drafted for Keltron’s modernisation, and several key projects are nearing completion. One of these is Keltron’s Karakulam unit, which is set to become part of the power electronics sector.

The government is also working on establishing an electronics hardware manufacturing park at Amballur and creating an IT corridor by connecting national highways. Additionally, small manufacturing clusters, testing facilities, laboratories, and tool rooms are being developed to support existing electronics manufacturers in the state. “Keltron can play a pivotal role in transforming Kerala into an electronics manufacturing hub,” Vijayan emphasised.

The new facility will produce high-quality, indigenously developed supercapacitors, which have applications in electric vehicles, defence, and space missions. Known for their ability to store and discharge energy more rapidly than conventional batteries, supercapacitors are becoming increasingly essential for sectors like automotive and aerospace.

KCCL is set to manufacture up to 2,000 supercapacitors per day, adhering to global standards and catering to India’s growing demand for advanced electronic components. The first phase of construction, including the installation of imported machinery, is complete, and the facility is now ready for full-scale production. Within the next four years, the plant is expected to generate an annual turnover of Rs 220 million and a profit of Rs 30 million.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Minister for Industry and Law P. Rajeev, Keltron Chairman N. Narayana Murthy, former Minister E.P. Jayarajan, MLA M. Vijin, Kannur District Panchayat President P.P. Divya, and KCCL Managing Director K.G. Krishnakumar.

(The Hindu)