Tamil Nadu has become the first state in the country to exceed its total clean energy capacity installations over its thermal ones. The state’s renewable energy installations have surpassed coal-based capacities, taking the total clean energy capability of the state up to 42 per cent.
Of the total installed power capacity of 18,193 mega watt of the state as on September 30, 2012, renewable energy installations stand at 7,979 MW, thermal 7,527 MW, hydro 2,186 MW and nuclear 501 MW.
Tamil Nadu accounts for 36 per cent of the country’s total renewable energy capacity, says Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency.
Among the renewable energy sources, wind energy leads the pack with an installed capacity of 7,134 MW. TN is a pioneer in harnessing wind power and the state accounts for 41 per cent of the entire country’s generation and has an investment of over Rs 2,500 crore in the sector. The next biggest contribution comes from bagasse co-generation.