Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Tamil Nadu accounts for 44% of wind energy capacity

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu accounts for 44 per cent of the country’s total installed capacity of wind power.

As on March 31 this year, the State had windmills whose aggregate capacity stood at 3,857 megawatt (MW).

Between April 2006 and March 2008, the capacity added was 962 MW, says the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission’s consultative paper on power procurement by distribution licensees from wind energy generators and allied open access issues.

The State’s potential has been put at 5,500 MW. Quoting the Central Electricity Authority, the Commission says the contribution of power from non-conventional energy sources to the country’s installed capacity is around 12,195 MW, of which the share of wind power is 8,739 MW.

Maharashtra is next to Tamil Nadu in harnessing wind energy, with 1,756 MW. The installed capacity of Gujarat and Karnataka stands at about 1,253 MW and 1,011 MW respectively.

The paper says Tuticorin, Poompuhar, Uvari, Rameswaram and Ennore (near Chennai) are the coastal areas that has a favourable wind flow.

Among other favourable locations are Theni, Cumbum and Andipatti in Theni district, besides the Palghat, Shencottah and Aralvoimozhi passes.

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