TN sets new record in wind power generation

Chennai: Electricity generated by windmills in Tamil Nadu reached an all-time high with the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation (TNPDCL) absorbing 124.34 million units (Mu) into the grid on Friday.

This is about 27% of the state’s overall power consumption.

On Friday, Tamil Nadu’s power consumption was 452.212 Mu.Previously, 123.85 Mu was the highest single-day wind power generation recorded in Aug last year. Also, for the seventh consecutive day wind power generation has crossed the 100Mu mark in the State, as 112.09 Mu was absorbed by TNPDCL on Sunday. Since the power demand continues to surge beyond 20,000 megawatts (MW) in the evening hours, TNPDCL absorbs as much wind power as possible with very little curtailments to meet the requirementsDuring the day, solar power generation too was good and the peak generation crossed 7,000 MW on Friday.Renewable Energy Producers Association (REPA) said the forecast for wind power was low at 115 Mu on Friday, yet the generation breached the anticipated figures. “The coming week is expected to be productive for wind power generators as the forecast is good,” said K Venkatachalam, chief adviser to REPA. TNPDCL officials said the field officers have been instructed to absorb as much renewable power as possible.