CHENNAI: In a major push to boost renewable power generation, the Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGECL) has invited bids to renovate its old wind power plants and upgrade them into hybrid models by adding solar systems under the Build, Own and Operate (BOO) model.
According to officials, the total installed capacity of the project will be 34.75MW, including 18.75MW of wind power and 16MW of solar power, along with associated transmission and distribution facilities. The estimated project cost is around Rs 200 crore, as per TNGECL’s internal study and analysis.
A senior TNGECL official told TNIE that the project aims to repower and modernise smaller, outdated wind turbines that have been non-functional for years. “In a joint venture with the Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) and Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), we had earlier set up 110 small wind turbines at Kayathar I and II, Puliyankulam, Muppandal and Kethanur villages in Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Coimbatore districts with a total capacity of 17.355MW. Of these, only 15 turbines are now operational.
The remaining 95 are non-functional due to lack of spare parts and have been condemned. Hence, we have decided to upgrade them under this new hybrid model,” the official explained.
Another official said that the TNGECL initially shortlisted six potential sites for hybrid development, based on a detailed study conducted by the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE). The study evaluated key factors such as repowering potential, grid evacuation feasibility and financial viability. After a detailed review, four sites — Kayathar I, Kayathar II, Muppandal, and Puliyankulam — have been finalised for the installation of hybrid wind-solar systems.
“The developer who wins the bid will handle the design, construction, erection and commissioning of the hybrid power plants, besides taking care of operations and maintenance for the duration of the agreement,” the official added.
Once completed, the upgraded hybrid plants are expected to add 34.75MW of clean energy to the state grid, helping TN meet its Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) targets.