Rapid Growth in Renewable Capacity
Tamil Nadu’s Expanding Renewable Energy Power: Tamil Nadu has emerged as a national leader in renewable energy, witnessing massive investments and capacity expansion since 2021. The State’s wind energy sector alone attracted ₹5,700 crore, adding 816 megawatts (MW) of new capacity. An additional ₹4,200 crore is set aside for upcoming 600 MW wind projects.
Static GK fact: Tamil Nadu is among India’s earliest adopters of wind energy, with its first commercial wind farms commissioned in the 1990s.
Solar Energy Surge
The State’s solar power sector has also seen remarkable growth, receiving investments exceeding ₹23,500 crore for 6,736 MW of solar projects. Furthermore, solar projects worth ₹39,000 crore, accounting for 5,700 MW, are currently under advanced stages of approval. This highlights Tamil Nadu’s strong commitment to clean energy diversification.
Static GK Tip: The Kamuthi Solar Power Project in Ramanathapuram district is one of the largest single-location solar plants in India.
Ranking and Future Targets
With a total installed renewable energy capacity exceeding 25,500 MW, Tamil Nadu ranks fourth nationally. Its 11,500 MW of installed wind capacity makes it the second-highest wind power producer in India, following Gujarat. The State aims to source 50% of its total power from renewable sources by 2030, aligning with the national clean energy vision.
Static GK fact: India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement targets achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030.
Carbon Neutral Vision and Demand Projections
Tamil Nadu is committed to a 70% reduction in carbon emissions and achieving Net Zero by 2070, in line with India’s national pledge. The projected power demand in the State is expected to rise sharply—from 20,700 MW to 35,500 MW by 2034–35, necessitating a strong renewable base to ensure sustainability.
Energy Storage and Offshore Potential
The State has initiated pumped storage projects to balance renewable intermittency. A 500 MW Pumped Storage Project is being planned at Kundah, with pre-project implementation underway for 1,100 MW at Vellimalai and 2,400 MW at Aliyar.
Static GK Tip: Pumped storage helps store excess renewable power by pumping water uphill and generating electricity when demand peaks.
Tamil Nadu’s coastline holds over 35 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind potential, supported by excellent wind speeds and high capacity factors. The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), headquartered in Chennai, is collaborating under the India–Denmark Green Strategic Partnership to develop India’s first offshore wind project off the Tamil Nadu coast.
Static GK fact: The India–Denmark Green Strategic Partnership, launched in 2020, focuses on renewable energy, offshore wind, and sustainable urbanization.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Tamil Nadu’s Expanding Renewable Energy Power:
| Topic | Detail |
| Total renewable capacity | Over 25,500 MW |
| Wind capacity | 11,500 MW (2nd highest in India) |
| Solar capacity installed | 6,736 MW |
| Solar projects under approval | 5,700 MW (₹39,000 crore) |
| Wind projects planned | 600 MW (₹4,200 crore) |
| Renewable energy target | 50% by 2030 |
| Carbon reduction goal | 70% reduction, Net Zero by 2070 |
| Pumped storage sites | Kundah, Vellimalai, Aliyar |
| Offshore wind potential | 35 GW along Tamil Nadu coast |
| Key partnership | India–Denmark Green Strategic Partnership |
