The upcoming 1030-MW wind farm at Thennampatti in the district is expected to be ready by 2018. . The fourth wind power sub-station is planned over 49 acres under the Tirunelveli Circle of Non-Conventional Energy Sources, TANGEDCO.
Currently, sub-stations for wind farms exist at Kamuthi in Ramanathapuram district, Kayathar in Thoothukudi and Kanarpatti in Tirunelveli. Thennampatti was chosen on the basis of its wind potential. According to official sources, a 400-KV wind power sub-station is under construction at Thappukundu in Theni district under Udamalpet Circle.
In recent times, enhanced yield from wind energy sources has brought down the dependence on conventional energy sources. Wind power generation crossed 3,500 MW in Tamil Nadu during last week. The demand for the period stood between 12,500 MW and 13,500 MW.
As for Thoothukudi, the current situation has necessitated the Tuticorin Thermal Power Station (TTPS) to operate only three out of its five units each with a capacity of 210 MW.
Of the total energy sourced from wind power, Tirunelveli Circle, covering the southern region of Tamil Nadu, is making a significant contribution. About 2,100 MW to 2,300 MW of wind power generation was achieved daily over the last fortnight from wind farms under this circle, sources said.
