Wind Energy Surge Allows Tamil Nadu to Sell Surplus Power to Other States

Chennai: A significant increase in wind energy generation has enabled Tamil Nadu to not only meet its own power demand but also sell surplus electricity to other states through power exchanges. In June this year, the state's wind generation capacity reached 9,500 megawatts (MW), allowing it to be marketed as a power surplus state.

While wind energy is scientifically classified as 'infirm' power due to its intermittent nature, Tamil Nadu has successfully integrated it into the grid. The state's wind power generation crossed the 5,000 MW mark this month, a key milestone for the renewable energy sector.

A senior official from the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) explained that the wind season typically begins in May. This year, generation rose from 4,500 MW in May to consistently produce between 5,000 and 5,500 MW during the middle week of June. Additionally, about 1,700 MW of power was generated during daytime hours from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wind energy now meets more than 25% of the state's peak power demand, with surplus energy sold through energy exchanges. Data from the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC) reveals that on average, nearly 100 million units (MU) are generated daily from wind and solar sources, out of a total consumption of 400 MU per day. Of this renewable generation, more than 60 MU are sold to other states.

The development underscores Tamil Nadu's role as a leader in renewable energy adoption and highlights the potential of wind power to contribute to interstate power trade, even as challenges of dependability remain.