Brief
Tamil Nadu CM orders push for power self‑sufficiency with green and thermal projects
The state aims to boost renewable share to 50% by 2031 while adding new thermal capacity.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay instructed Tamil Nadu Electricity Board officials to accelerate renewable energy, storage, modern technology and new thermal projects to achieve power self‑sufficiency, Deccan Chronicle reported on October 11.
What happened
During a September review at the TNEB headquarters in Chennai, Vijay ordered officials to speed up actions on renewable generation, battery storage, electricity exchange and distribution upgrades. He emphasized completing ongoing power‑production projects on schedule to raise the board’s own capacity. The directive follows a recent dip in wind output and rising temperatures that forced the state to buy power from outside, straining finances.
What the reports add
According to the article, Tamil Nadu’s total installed capacity stood at 46,846 MW as of July 1, split between 18,498 MW of conventional sources (thermal, gas, central stations and purchases) and 28,348 MW of renewables (hydro, wind, solar, biomass and co‑generation). Power demand rose 13 % in July compared with the same month last year, and peak demand grew from 17,500 MW in September 2025 to 21,400 MW in September 2026. The state plans to install rooftop solar on government, school, hospital and local‑body buildings. By 2031, the Vision 2031 document targets a 50 % renewable share and includes battery energy‑storage systems.
What was said
Vijay told officials that “self‑sufficiency in electricity generation” is essential for attracting investment and reducing debt, the report quoted. He also highlighted the need to finish the Udangudi thermal plant’s second unit, which is in final construction stages, and announced a new 800 MW thermal plant in Thoothukudi.
How it came about
The push follows earlier power‑supply challenges, such as the North Chennai plant outage on October 4 that removed 600 MW from the grid, and broader national concerns about grid reliability highlighted in recent U.S. and European energy‑policy discussions. Tamil Nadu’s balanced portfolio and the Vision 2031 plan aim to support industrial growth while meeting long‑term environmental goals.
Key facts
- Tamil Nadu's total installed capacity was 46,846 MW as of July 1, 2026. (deccanchronicle.com)
- Renewable sources contributed 28,348 MW, about 60% of total capacity. (deccanchronicle.com)
- Peak demand rose to 21,400 MW in September 2026, up from 17,500 MW a year earlier. (deccanchronicle.com)
- The state aims for 50% renewable share by 2031 and plans new battery storage. (deccanchronicle.com)
- A new 800 MW thermal plant is slated for Thoothukudi, and Udangudi's second unit is near completion. (deccanchronicle.com)
Sources
- [1] deccanchronicle.com — originally reported as “Aiming at Self-Sufficiency, TN to Focus on Green Energy Along With Thermal Power”
