CHENNAI: In a significant move towards a greener future, the Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGECL) is planning to increase solar power generation and introduce Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to meet its Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) by 2030.
TNGECL Managing Director Aneesh Sekhar told TNIE that Tamil Nadu currently has an installed solar power capacity of nearly 10,000 megawatts (MW).
“We have enough land to add about 12,000 MW more. However, even that will not be sufficient. Our target is to reach at least 50,000 MW of solar power capacity by 2030,” he said.
However, land acquisition has emerged as a major hurdle. “For every 1 MW of solar power plant, nearly three acres of land is needed. Tamil Nadu has very little wasteland left, as most areas have been converted for housing, farming or industrial use,” Sekhar explained.
He also pointed out the limitations of wind power, which is not available throughout the year.
“Therefore, we must rely more on solar power, and for that, BESS is the ideal solution,” he added.
BESS helps store excess solar power generated during the day and release it when needed, especially during peak demand in the evening.
“This will not only reduce the cost of electricity during peak hours but also ensure clean energy supply even after sunset, helping in the decarbonisation process,” Sekhar said.
As part of its immediate plans, TNGECL has proposed development of a 1,000 MW-hour BESS at selected substations under the state component of the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme. In total, the state is aiming to set up 4,000 MW-hour of storage capacity across Tamil Nadu in the coming years.
He said, “This large-scale expansion of solar power and battery storage will make Tamil Nadu a leader in renewable energy and help meet both state and national green energy targets.”