Chennai: In a significant move to expand renewable energy generation, the Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGECL) has invited bids to renovate ageing wind power plants and convert them into hybrid wind–solar systems under the Build, Own and Operate (BOO) model, reports The New Indian Express.
Officials said the project will have a total installed capacity of 34.75 MW, comprising 18.75 MW of wind power and 16 MW of solar power, along with the required transmission and distribution infrastructure. TNGECL estimates the project cost at around ₹200 crore, based on internal assessments.
A senior TNGECL official told TNIE that the initiative focuses on modernising small, outdated wind turbines that have been idle for years. The corporation, in partnership with the Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), previously installed 110 small turbines across Kayathar I and II, Puliyankulam, Muppandal and Kethanur in the Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Coimbatore districts, with a total capacity of 17.355 MW. Only 15 of these turbines remain functional.
“The other 95 turbines have been out of service due to the lack of spare parts and have been condemned. Therefore, we decided to upgrade them through the hybrid model,” the official said.
Another official said TNGECL initially identified six possible sites for hybrid development, based on a study by the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE). The assessment considered repowering potential, grid evacuation readiness and financial feasibility. Following a detailed review, four sites — Kayathar I, Kayathar II, Muppandal and Puliyankulam — were finalised for the installation of hybrid systems.
“The selected developer will be responsible for designing, constructing, installing and commissioning the hybrid plants, as well as managing operations and maintenance for the entire contract period,” the official said.
Once commissioned, the upgraded hybrid facilities are expected to add 34.75 MW of clean energy to Tamil Nadu’s power grid, supporting the state’s efforts to meet its Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) targets.
