The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) is executing a number of supercritical thermal power projects in the State with a few plants expected to be commissioned by the financial year 2019-2020. Almost 2,000 megawatt (MW), including solar energy would be added by 2019-2020.
Even though a few managers felt that it cannot take the current ‘power surplus position’ for granted, Tangedco appears to be unfazed by the rising demand which has not exceeded the 15,300 MW mark in the last two years, as it has sufficient resources to meet up to 15,500 MW.
A senior official of the Tangedco said five thermal power projects, all supercritical plants with a combined capacity of 5,700 MW is under progress in locations Ennore SEZ, Ennore Expansion, North Chennai Stage 3, Uppur and Udangudi.
Similarly the electricity utility is also executing a hydro project at Kundah in the Nilgiris district and the Kadalai Solar project in Ramanathapuram district, which would further add 1,000 MW to the generation capacity.
The official said the North Chennai Thermal Power project Stage 3 with a capacity of 800 MW will be completed by October next year while the Ennore SEZ Thermal Power project with a capacity of 1,320 MW (2x660) coming up at the old Ennore Thermal power station is expected to be completed by November, 2019.
The official said the work at Ennore SEZ was progressing slowly as the construction of ash pond proved to be a challenging task. However, the work would be completed by mid-2020, the official added.
Regarding the progress of the Ennore Expansion Thermal Power project having a capacity of 660 MW, the official said the contract has been terminated and a tender would be floated for a new contractor. “The foundation work is almost complete and the project should be over by January 2021.
The Uppur Thermal Power Project in Ramanathapuram district with a capacity of 1,600 MW is delayed due to a land litigation but works has commenced in the areas where there are no disputes. The official said the Udangudi Thermal power project (2x660 MW) is scheduled to be completed along with the Uppur Thermal Power project by June 2021.
The Kadaladi Solar Power Park project, having a capacity of 500 MW is expected to be completed in the financial year 2019-2020.
