Tamil Nadu’s First Repowering-Based Wind–Solar Hybrid Project Receives TNERC Approval

The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) has approved a proposal from the Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGECL) to invite tariff-based competitive bids for the establishment of a 34.75 MW wind–solar hybrid power project across four sites in southern Tamil Nadu.

Project Overview

The hybrid project will integrate 18.75 MW of wind and 16 MW of solar power, developed under the Build–Own–Operate (BOO) model. The selected sites for the project include Kayathar-I and II, Puliankulam, and Muppandal villages in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu. These locations were among the earliest wind energy sites in the state, with installations dating back to the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Repowering Initiative

Wind energy generation in Tamil Nadu commenced in 1986 with small-capacity machines ranging from 55 kW to 250 kW. As part of a pilot initiative, TNGECL, in joint venture with the Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), had commissioned 110 wind turbines totaling 17.355 MW between 1985 and 1992. These units were installed at Kayathar I and II, Puliyankulam, and Muppandal in Tuticorin and Tirunelveli districts, and at Kethanur in Coimbatore district, in technical collaboration with the Danida Energy Agency of the Danish Government. Currently, only 15 of those 110 turbines remain operational, with the rest condemned due to the unavailability of spare parts and maintenance support from the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The new repowering project aims to replace these obsolete wind machines with modern hybrid installations, enhancing efficiency and power output. This initiative aligns with the state’s commitment to modernizing its renewable energy infrastructure and maximizing the potential of existing sites.

Implications and Future Prospects

This project is expected to contribute significantly to Tamil Nadu’s renewable energy capacity, providing a reliable and sustainable power source. The integration of wind and solar power will facilitate a more balanced energy generation profile, reducing dependency on thermal power plants and enhancing grid stability.

As the state continues to explore innovative solutions for its energy needs, the success of this hybrid project could serve as a model for future repowering initiatives across the country.