Renewable energy transmission corridors to be set up in Tamil Nadu

June 15, 2013

Two major high-capacity transmission corridors, exclusively meant for renewable energy, are being set up in Tamil Nadu. The projects which is being executed by the Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation (Tantransco) is estimated to a cost Rs. 4,400 crore and are capable of evacuating at least 2,000 megawatt (MW) each.

Where are these projects being executed?

One corridor covering about 700-km is from Kayathar of Tuticorin district to Sholinganallur and the other with a length of about 400-km, b/w Thappagundu of Theni district to Salem. The first corridor is likely to be commissioned by March next while the other line, with a length of about 400 km, is expected to be ready by 2014 end.

Why these projects?

These projects are aimed at addressing concerns of investors in the wind energy sector regarding inadequate evacuation facilities in the State and to cater to its future needs. Two more factors have compelled the authorities to take up these transmission projects. Firstly, the centres of electricity consumption are located at a considerable distance from the centres of wind energy. Secondly, to some extent, the transmission line meant for evacuating power from the proposed Kudankulam Nuclear Power Station is being used to transmit from windmills. Once the Kudankulam Station is commissioned shortly, that line can no longer be relied upon.

Who is funding the projects?

The transmission projects are being funded by the Rural Electrification Corporation and Power Finance Corporation, both agencies of the Central government.

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