Tamil Nadu has unveiled an ambitious plan to add 12,000 MW of renewable energy capacity over the next five years, comprising 10,000 MW of solar and 2,000 MW of wind power. The southern Indian state aims to create a South Asian Renewable Energy Corridor as part of this comprehensive expansion initiative. Transport and Electricity Minister S S Sivasankar shared this vision at the 6th International Energy Conference and Exhibition in New Delhi.

The plan is designed to deliver round-the-clock clean power and position Tamil Nadu as a gateway for regional energy partnerships.

Regional Collaboration and Cross-Border Energy Vision

Sivasankar reaffirmed Tamil Nadu's commitment to working closely with Sri Lanka and other regional stakeholders to realize a cross-border renewable energy corridor. The minister emphasized leveraging the state's solar potential and extensive coastline to forge partnerships among solar, wind, and storage technologies, enabling dependable renewable electricity for consumers across the region.

The South Asian Renewable Energy Corridor represents a strategic approach to regional energy cooperation, with Tamil Nadu positioning itself as a central hub for cross-border renewable energy partnerships.

Wind Power Leadership and Policy Innovation

Tamil Nadu is already home to India's highest wind capacity and continues to build momentum through various initiatives. The state is focusing on repowering aging turbines, developing hybrid wind-solar parks, and nurturing the wind business ecosystem. The state launched India's first wind repowering policy in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the renewable energy sector.

Minister Sivasankar also highlighted other recent policy developments, including the Pumped Storage Policy 2024 and the Small Hydel Policy 2024. Additionally, Tamil Nadu has an Integrated Renewable Energy Policy currently under development. According to Sivasankar, Tamil Nadu pioneered wind energy banking as early as 1990, demonstrating the state's long-standing commitment to developing wind energy.

Battery Storage and Grid Infrastructure Development

Tamil Nadu is developing a major 500MW/1000 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project scheduled for commercial operation by December 2026. This project aims to maximize renewable energy use and minimize curtailment issues. The state has additional storage projects in the pipeline, with upcoming tenders including a 375MW/1,500 MWh BESS and a 30 MW/90 MWh solar + BESS hybrid plant project. These initiatives are designed to boost grid reliability and support the integration of renewable energy sources.

Manufacturing Capabilities and Industry Partnerships

Tamil Nadu maintains a considerable presence in renewable energy-related equipment manufacturing. The state's current manufacturing capacities stand at 500 MW per year for wind components and 3,000 MW per year for solar panels and wafers. The state is encouraging private investment, global collaborations, and research in advanced wind and offshore wind technologies.

Tamil Nadu is building India's first offshore wind ecosystem along its coastline, representing a significant advancement in the country's offshore wind development. Minister Sivasankar called for greater partnership in foreign direct investment, technology sharing, and supply chain localization to support the renewable energy sector's growth.

Current Renewable Energy Status

Tamil Nadu currently has more than 20 GW of installed renewable capacity, with half of this capacity coming from wind power. This substantial installed base positions the state as one of the leaders in India's clean energy transition. The state's comprehensive approach combines existing strengths in wind power with ambitious solar expansion plans, supported by advanced storage technologies and innovative policy frameworks.

The integration of these elements supports Tamil Nadu's goal of creating a reliable, round-the-clock clean power supply system that can serve both domestic and regional energy needs.

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