- Tamil Nadu plans to convert 110 outdated windmills into hybrid wind-solar plants, boosting renewable energy capacity in India.
- The project, a Public-Private Partnership initiative, will combine wind and solar energy for a more reliable power supply in Tamil Nadu.
India is making strides in its green energy efforts with an ambitious plan in Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation (TNGECL) plans to convert 110 old windmills in the western region of Tamil Nadu into hybrid wind-solar plants. The decision was made at a recent board meeting held at the state secretariat.
Windmills built in the 1980s and 1990s will be decommissioned to make way for new hybrid units. Inspections have started at Sulthanpet, Kethanur, Puliyankulam, Muppanthal, and Mullakkadu locations. These areas currently have windmills with a combined capacity of 47 MW. The assessments are being carried out with the help of private consultants.
The new plants will include wind turbines with a capacity of 22 MW and solar panels generating 18 MW. The project will follow a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The first phase will focus on the western region of Tamil Nadu. A detailed report has been submitted to the state government for approval.
Private developers will be chosen through a bidding process. They will fund the project and maintain it for 25 years. After that, the plants will be handed over to TNGECL, and the state-owned power corporation will buy the electricity.
The hybrid plants will provide a steady power supply, with solar panels working during the day and wind turbines working at night or in windy conditions.
TNGECL has also encouraged wind power generators to add solar panels to their existing units. The state government introduced policies last year to support hybrid energy plants. Tenders will be announced after the Tamil Nadu Assembly session ends.