TN to Invest ₹700 Crore in Expanding Renewable Capacity and Strengthening Distribution Infrastructure.

In a significant move aimed at bolstering Tamil Nadu's renewable energy capabilities, the state government has announced a series of initiatives totaling approximately ₹700 crore. These measures, highlighted by investments in power distribution and transmission infrastructure, are poised to enhance the region's green energy sector.

Addressing the Assembly, Thangam Thennarasu, Minister of Electricity, Finance, and Human Resources Management, outlined the government's strategy. "To meet the rising energy demands and advance our goals in renewable energy, Tamil Nadu plans to add around 2,000 MW of capacity through solar, wind, and other renewable sources," stated Thennarasu. Currently, the state ranks third in India with an installed renewable energy capacity of 19,628.40 MW.

In addition to expanding renewable energy production, Thennarasu announced forthcoming policies designed to further boost the sector. These include a new hybrid policy for renewable energy and initiatives to promote hydropower and pumped storage projects.

Recent developments at the Global Investors Meet underscore Tamil Nadu's commitment to sustainable energy. The state government signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) for solar, wind, and hybrid projects totaling 18,429 MW, alongside agreements for 1,600 MW of pumped storage plants.

The investment of ₹700 crore will primarily focus on upgrading distribution and transmission infrastructure across Tamil Nadu. This includes allocating ₹200 crore for the installation of 2,000 transformers of various capacities to ensure reliable power distribution. Additionally, plans earmark ₹211 crore for a 210 kV substation in Tiruppur district and another 110 kV substation in Tiruchi district. A further ₹217 crore will enhance the load capacity of 19 power transformers in Chennai and Kancheepuram Districts, with an additional ₹75 crore designated for establishing new 33/11 kV substations and upgrading existing ones.

As of March 2024, the state's Energy Department oversees an extensive transmission network comprising 1,091 substations and 38,772 km of transmission lines across various voltage categories, underscoring Tamil Nadu's ambitious strides in renewable energy infrastructure development.

HBL