TN govt to set up a Rs 24,000 crore thermal power project

To spend over Rs 6,000 crore for strengthening evacuation infrastructure

In order to add 20,000 MW more electricity generation facility as part of Vision 2023, Tamil Nadu Government today announced setting up a new 4,000 mega watt (MW) thermal power plant at a cost of Rs 24,000 crore. Besides, to strengthen the power distribution capacity the state administration has announced projects worth Rs 6,791 crore today.

Speaking at the State Assembly Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa announced this project at Ramanathapuram district, around 550 kms from Chennai. She said around 3,000 acres of land for the project has been identified and work would start after getting necessary approvals.

After the AIADMK led government took charge in 2011, the state added 5,945.5 MW of power to the grid. These were done through projects implemented by TANGEDCO, along with share from the Centre's power projects and through other modes. This had helped the government to address the power deficit problem in the state, said Jayalalithaa.

To address the growing demand and future requirements of households and industries in the state, government has commenced construction of a 660 MW Ennore Thermal Power Plant, 2X200 MW Ennore Special Economic Zone thermal project, a 800 MW North Chennai Thermal Power Project Phase-III, 2X800 MW Upper Thermal Power project, 2X660 MW Udangudi Project and another 660 MW project at Ennore.

One of the big challenges in the state is evacuation of power. To strengthen the same, the state government is planning to set up new substations with 400 KW and 230 KW capacity.

Jayalalithaa said, in North Chennai 765/400 KW 3X1500 MVA capacity will be set up at a cost of Rs 2,335 crore and the power produced in North Chennai will be transmitted to Ariyalur and Puliyanthoppe in Southern Tamil Nadu.

She also announced 765/400 KW 2X1500 MVA project worth Rs 2121.45 crore at Ariyalur, 765/400 KW 2X1500 MVA project worth Rs 2,335 crore at Coimbatore. These project will cater to the power demand of Coimbatore, Salem and Mettur.

Detailed Project Report for a 2000 MW hydro electric project in Sillahalla, Nilgiris, is getting prepared, she added.

By implementing these projects, Tamil Nadu will not only have excess power capacity, it will also boost industrial growth, which in turn will create new jobs in the state, said Jayalalithaa.

The State currently has an installed capacity of 20,714 MW including the non-conventional power, which is the second largest in India. Around 40 per cent of the power requirement is met by renewable energy sources.