Tamil Nadu unveils Vision 2031: 50% renewable energy, 20,000 EV charging stations
The Tamil Nadu Energy Department has announced Vision 2031, a roadmap to achieve a 50% share of renewable energy in the State's energy mix by 2031. The plan includes expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, enhancing rooftop solar support, and reducing aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses to 10%. The announcement was made by Energy Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar while presenting the department's demands for 2026-27 in the State Assembly on Friday.
Under the infrastructure proposals, the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) will provide 50,000 new agriculture power connections this financial year. The government also plans to establish 10 high-tension sub-stations at a cost of ₹110 crore and upgrade 10 existing 33/11-kilovolt sub-stations. To improve power distribution in urban areas, the TNPDCL will convert 1,250 distribution transformers into ring main units at a cost of ₹250 crore. This conversion is expected to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the electricity network.
Vision 2031 sets a target of establishing 20,000 EV charging stations, with priority given to corridors connecting major cities. As of April this year, Tamil Nadu had 5.50 lakh registered electric vehicles and 2,425 charging stations, indicating rapid adoption. The Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGECL) has conducted a feasibility study at 528 locations under the PM E-DRIVE scheme for developing a State-wide EV charging network. It has also launched a portal that connects Charge Point Operators (CPOs) with landowners to set up public charging stations on a revenue-sharing basis.
To promote charging infrastructure in apartment complexes, the Energy Department will provide a capital subsidy of 50%, capped at ₹50,000 per installation. This move aims to encourage residential EV charging and ease range anxiety among vehicle owners.
On grid reliability, the TNGECL is establishing a 1,000 megawatt-hour (MWh) standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) under the State Component of the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme on a build-own-operate basis. The project consists of six BESS stations at the Thennampatty, Anuppankulam, Ottapidaram, Vellalaviduthi, Kayathar, and Karaikudi sub-stations of TANTRANSCO, with a combined capacity of 1,000 MWh. The project is scheduled to be commissioned by December this year. The BESS is expected to strengthen grid stability and facilitate large-scale renewable energy integration.
In the thermal power sector, the TNPDCL is expediting the 2x660-MW Udangudi Stage-I project, which is slated for commercial operation before December this year. The Ennore SEZ project is planned to be commissioned in late 2027. These projects are part of the State's strategy to ensure a balanced energy mix.
Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the TNPDCL aims to cut AT&C losses to 10%, improve financial sustainability, and enhance the quality and reliability of power supply. The government has approved measures worth ₹8,929.86 crore for installing smart meters, which provide accurate readings and help reduce billing errors and disputes. As part of this project, the TNPDCL is installing smart meters at government buildings. PFC Consulting Limited (PFCCL) has been appointed to fix 1.25 lakh smart meters in seven districts: Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Tiruvannamalai.
Responding to a query from former Minister V. Senthilbalaji about complaints of high electricity bills in the last bi-monthly cycle, Minister Nirmal Kumar addressed the circular issued by TNPDCL Chairman and Managing Director V. Arun Roy on reassessing 3.70 lakh bills. He said the department had come forward to recheck the bills. After verifying the bills of 3.70 lakh consumers, only 2,019 were found to have errors due to incorrect meter readings. The Minister's remarks aimed to reassure consumers that the department is taking corrective action.
Vision 2031 reflects Tamil Nadu's commitment to a sustainable energy future while balancing infrastructure development and consumer needs. The initiatives announced are expected to spur economic growth, create employment opportunities, and reduce the State's carbon footprint.
