Overview
Tamil Nadu is a pioneer in renewable energy development in India. The state has a total non-conventional (renewable) energy installed capacity of 10,479.61 MW, making it one of the leading states in the country for clean energy adoption. Wind energy constitutes the largest share, followed by solar, cogeneration, and biomass.
Renewable Energy Capacity
| Source | Installed Capacity (MW) | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Energy | 7,854.81 | 74.9% |
| Solar Energy | 1,702.40 | 16.2% |
| Co-generation (Bagasse) | 692.40 | 6.6% |
| Biomass | 230.00 | 2.2% |
| Total Non-Conventional | 10,479.61 | 100% |
Wind Energy
Tamil Nadu has the largest installed wind energy capacity among Indian states with 7,854.81 MW. The state benefits from strong monsoon winds, particularly in the districts of Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Coimbatore, Dindigul, and Theni. Wind energy development began in 1986 with 120 units totalling 19.355 MW, and has since grown exponentially.
Major wind energy corridors include:
- Muppandal — One of the largest wind farms in Asia, located in Kanyakumari district
- Aralvaimozhi Pass — High wind velocity zone in southern Tamil Nadu
- Palladam-Udumalaipettai — Wind corridor in Coimbatore and Tirupur districts
- Kayathar — Major wind farm area in Thoothukudi district
Solar Energy
Solar energy has been growing rapidly in Tamil Nadu with a current installed capacity of 1,702.40 MW. The state government has been promoting solar energy through:
- Solar Parks — Large-scale solar photovoltaic parks across the state
- Rooftop Solar — Net metering policy for domestic and commercial consumers
- Solar Power Evacuation — Dedicated infrastructure for solar power integration into the grid
- Government Buildings — Solar installations on government offices and public buildings
Biomass Power
Biomass-based power generation in Tamil Nadu has an installed capacity of 230 MW. These plants use agricultural residues, wood waste, and other organic materials as fuel. Key biomass resources in the state include rice husk, sugarcane trash, coconut shells, and wood chips.
Cogeneration
Cogeneration plants, primarily based in sugar mills using bagasse as fuel, contribute 692.40 MW to the grid. These plants generate electricity while also producing steam for sugar processing, making them highly efficient. Major sugar-producing districts such as Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Tiruchirappalli host the majority of cogeneration capacity.