Chennai, Tamil Nadu – The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday launched its ambitious TNEB 2.0 plan to modernize the state’s power infrastructure in response to a projected 24,000 MW peak electricity demand over the next decade. Under the leadership of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Electricity Minister V. Senthil Balaji, the initiative will prioritize public sector-led development, green energy, and reliability in power distribution.
7 Power Projects Worth ₹41,623 Crore
The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) will commission seven major projects in the next five years, aiming to add 6,220 MW to the state’s grid:
- North Chennai Thermal Power Project (Stage III)
- Ennore SEZ Thermal Power Project
- Udangudi TPP Stage I
- Uppur Thermal Power Project
- ETPS Expansion Project
- Kundah Hydro Electric Project
- Kollimalai Hydro Electric Project
Key Highlights from TNEB 2.0:
- EV Charging Stations: To be set up at substations along highways
- Installed Capacity Goal: Increase from 32,592 MW to 65,184 MW in 10 years
- Underground Cabling: Greater Chennai and coastal districts by September
- Solar Push: 2,000 MW solar parks planned
- Rural Upgrades: 1,686 transmission lines to be separated; feeders to be solarized
- Wind-Hybrid Revamp: 110 old windmills (17.5 MW) to be replaced with wind-solar hybrid systems
- Substation Boost: 100 new substations at ₹1,649 crore
Minister Senthil Balaji emphasized that the DMK government remains committed to keeping the power sector under public control to serve citizens better, rather than pushing privatization.
Political Debate in the Assembly
Former Electricity Minister P. Thangamani questioned the government’s explanation of recent power outages citing coal shortages, pointing out that Tamil Nadu received 1.72 crore tonnes of coal last year and an additional 694 MW from the central grid.
The debate highlighted the need for greater transparency and long-term planning in the state’s energy policies.