CHENNAI: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state, Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGECL) is set to establish wind-solar hybrid power plants with a combined capacity of 100 MW.
Sources in the TNGECL, which is now preparing a detailed project report for the project, said the proposed plants are expected to come up in districts like Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari.
A TNGECL official told TNIE, “During the monsoon, when solar energy output is low, wind energy performs better. Combining these systems ensures a steady and reliable power supply throughout the year.”
TNGECL had sought assistance from the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) to assess the feasibility of hybrid power generation. After conducting ground surveys and wind speed studies, NIWE approved the hybrid power plant installations in locations where TNGECL currently operates windmills.
A senior TNGECL official said, “The corporation currently operates 110 windmills with a total capacity of 17 MW in districts including Thoothukudi, Kanniyakumari, Madurai, Coimbatore, and Tiruppur. These windmills were installed between 1986 and 1993 and require modernisation. The decision to adopt hybrid systems aligns with the Union government’s low-carbon emission goals.”
Official sources said all wind energy developers in the state have been advised to incorporate hybrid systems during re-powering. Developers can choose to include battery storage with the hybrid setups for better energy management.
The state government aims to increase its non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity to 7,500 MW by 2030. Currently, the state’s total renewable energy capacity stands at 19,628.40 MW, contributing significantly to India’s green energy goals, the official said.
Discussing the financial model for the hybrid project, the official added, “TNGECL does not plan to invest directly in these new projects. Instead, we will follow the DEBOOT model – Design, Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer. Once investors are onboarded, the process for setting up the hybrid plants will commence swiftly.”
The proposed hybrid power plants are expected to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s leadership in renewable energy while supporting the national agenda of reducing carbon emissions, he added.