T.N. generates 2,687 MW of wind energy in past 2 days

Despite being a leading producer, the State only saw 200 MW of additional capacity come up during 2022-23; industries reluctant to invest due to lack of ‘banking’ facility, says expert

Wind energy generation in Tamil Nadu has picked up over the past two days, with 2,687 MW generated on Friday.

K. Kasthurirangaian, chairman of the Indian Wind Power Association, on Saturday told The Hindu that 62 million units of the electricity consumed on Thursday came from wind energy, and on Friday, 60 million units came from wind energy. “There were two full days of evacuation [of wind energy] in March. But wind energy generation stopped after that. Since June 1, however, energy is being generated and evacuated throughout the day.”

He also said, “Last windy season, there were days when 105 million units of electricity consumption came from windmills. This year too, we expect wind energy consumption to peak to 100 million units or more a day.” The windy season starts in May and goes on till October.

With 8,744 MW of installed capacity, Tamil Nadu is a leading wind energy producer. However, during 2022-23, only 200 MW of additional capacity came in, he said.

Energy consultant A.D. Thirumoorthy said most of the wind pockets in the State are saturated with windmills. Further, without a “banking” facility, industries are reluctant to invest in wind energy. The investments are for captive use or third-party sale of the electricity generated. The excess power generated will not be of use without a “banking” facility, he said. And so, industries prefer to invest in solar energy.