Tamil Nadu has added over 3,000 megawatts (MW) of power generation capacity in the past year, raising its total installed capacity to 42,772.20 MW as of March 31, according to the latest figures from the Central Electricity Authority.
This expansion reflects the state’s intensifying shift towards a cleaner, diversified energy portfolio while ensuring power security for its growing population and industries. Of the total capacity, renewable energy sources account for a major share of 25,290.67 MW — underlining Tamil Nadu’s long-standing leadership in clean energy generation in India. The installed wind power capacity stands at 11,739.91 MW, while solar installations total 10,153.58 MW. Hydropower contributes another 2,178.20 MW, and biomass and co-generation bagasse-based plants add the remaining portion of the renewable mix.
Senior energy department officials have indicated that the state’s energy roadmap is clearly aligned with national and global clean energy goals, aiming for a carbon-neutral transition over the next two decades. Tamil Nadu continues to be one of the top states championing large-scale renewable energy adoption, consistently ranking among the top in both wind and solar capacity. Despite the clean energy momentum, thermal power still plays a crucial role in the state’s energy stability. The total thermal capacity stood at 16,033.53 MW, including coal, lignite, gas and diesel-based generation. Coal-fired plants contribute 12,835.49 MW, with a fairly even distribution across state (4,320 MW), private (5,490.17 MW), and central (3,025.32 MW) sectors. Lignite-based power contributes 1,959.16 MW, largely from centrally-operated stations. The remaining thermal sources include gas-based units at 1,027.18 MW and diesel-based private installations at 211.70 MW.
At a recent regulatory meeting to assess project timelines and performance, officials from the state power generation corporation informed the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) that two major thermal projects — the North Chennai Thermal Power Project Stage III (1×800 MW) and the Udangudi Thermal Power Project Stage I (2×660 MW) — are on track to begin commercial operations in 2025. These projects are expected to add another 2,120 MW of capacity to the grid, improving energy reliability, particularly during peak seasons. In the non-thermal segment, Tamil Nadu’s nuclear energy capacity stands at 1,448 MW, all sourced from central government-operated facilities. While nuclear energy plays a smaller role in the overall mix, it is seen as a key component in the state’s long-term base-load planning.
The state is also advancing energy storage and hydro-electric projects to manage the intermittency challenges of renewable sources. According to project officials, the Kundah Pumped Storage Hydro Electric Project (4×125 MW), a major step in this direction, is also expected to begin operations in 2025. Once operational, it will support grid balancing and improve round-the-clock power availability from renewable sources. The electricity regulator has advised state authorities to ensure that sufficient skilled manpower is deployed to operate these upcoming generation assets efficiently and safely, in compliance with national norms set by the Central Electricity Authority. Ensuring operational readiness and reliability will be critical to integrating the expected capacity into the state’s power distribution network without delays or service gaps.
Energy experts believe that Tamil Nadu’s ongoing capacity expansion will not only secure the state’s energy future but also reinforce its role as a national leader in India’s clean energy movement. However, there is a growing emphasis on not just capacity addition, but also modernising the transmission and distribution networks to ensure sustainable and equitable power access across urban and rural regions alike. The state’s success in expanding its renewable energy portfolio and maintaining a diversified energy mix sets a strong example for other regions aiming to transition to greener energy systems. With major projects on schedule for 2025 and continued regulatory oversight, Tamil Nadu is poised to reinforce its commitment to energy sustainability, low-carbon development, and economic resilience.
Tamil Nadu adds 3000 MW power this year
