Solar plants may not face power evacuation problem

Solar power plants, to be promoted under the Tamil Nadu Government’s policy on solar energy, may not face the problem of evacuation some windmills face.

Solar power is more dispersed than wind power and the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) and Transmission Corporation (Transco) have about 1,350 substations across the State, say power managers.

This assumes relevance as 1,500 megawatt (MW) of the targeted 3,000 MW for the next three years is to be generated through utility scale projects.

Tangedco is gearing itself to make evacuation arrangements for power plants of one MW and above in the segment of utility scale projects.

Solar insolation

Twenty eight districts out of 32 have solar insolation, ranging from 5.67 kilowatt per hour per square metre to 5.36 kwh/sq.m. Ramanathapuram and Nagapattinam, both backward districts, top the list with 5.67 kwh/sq.m, according to official data.

The problem in the evacuation of wind energy is essentially due to the concentration of wind mills in a few regions which is, in turn, dictated by high wind potential.

A senior power manager says if the existing transmission infrastructure is found inadequate in some places the present network will be strengthened.

On the proposed meeting with prospective investors scheduled for November 23, the manager says anyone willing to set up solar power plants of one MW and above can attend.

The purpose of the meeting is to get inputs from the participants, which can be incorporated in bid documents to be floated for power purchase from such plants.

Tangedco is planning to enter into long term purchase agreements, lasting 20 to 25 years.

The Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (Teda) is working to make government departments and organisations install rooftop systems.