Tamil Nadu Plans Comprehensive Clean Energy Transition

Tamil Nadu has outlined a comprehensive clean energy transition strategy centred on solar power, wind power, energy storage, grid expansion, and project approval reforms. The state has also linked the plan with repowering of older assets, new research facilities, and long-term capacity addition targets.

Policy Framework for Renewable Energy

Tamil Nadu is preparing a standardised policy to simplify project approvals and remove intermediaries in the renewable energy sector. The state has also been reviewing investments made since 1995 to support repowering initiatives and attract fresh investment in solar and wind projects.

Capacity Addition and Energy Mix Targets

The state plans to add 10,000–15,000 MW of renewable energy capacity over the next four to five years. The initial focus is on solar and wind energy, along with battery storage systems. Tamil Nadu’s Energy Department Policy Note for 2025-2026 sets a target of sourcing 50% of total energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030 and reducing carbon emissions by 70% by 2030.

Integrated Renewable Energy Policy and Demand Projections

Tamil Nadu was formulating an Integrated Renewable Energy Policy by 30 December 2025 to reduce fossil fuel dependence, promote energy storage, strengthen grid efficiency, and support reliable supply. The state’s peak power demand is projected to rise to 35.5 GW by 2034-35 from about 20.7 GW.

Important Facts for Exams

• Tamil Nadu is one of India’s leading states in installed wind energy capacity.
• Battery storage is used to balance variable solar and wind generation.
• Repowering refers to replacing older renewable energy equipment with newer, more efficient systems.
• Green Energy Corridor projects support transmission of renewable electricity from generation sites to load centres.

Transmission and Storage Projects

Green Energy Corridor Phase II will add 624 circuit kilometres of transmission lines and two substations at Ottapidaram and Samugarengapuram. The project is designed to support an additional 2.8 GW by 2025-26. The Resource Adequacy Plan projects the need for close to 98 GW of contracted capacity by 2034-35, including about 11 GW of coal, 18 GW of solar, 12 GW of wind, and 11.7 GW of energy storage capacity.

Research, Coordination, and Pumped Storage

Tamil Nadu plans to establish a research and development unit and a Centre of Excellence for emerging technologies and sector collaboration. A project involving the Comptroller and Auditor General and ASAR Social Impact Advisors Pvt Ltd began on 13 April 2026 to improve convergence among departments and stakeholders. The project has a short-term target of increasing rooftop solar uptake in Chennai from 6% to 12% by 2027. A 500 MW pumped storage project at Kundah is scheduled for commissioning by April 2026, while the 1.1 GW Vellimalai project is in advanced stages and the 2.4 GW Aliyar project is moving towards tendering by the end of 2025.