Tamil Nadu has revealed a sweeping plan to augment its renewable energy capacity by 12,000 MW over the next five years, which will include 10,000 MW of solar power and 2,000 MW of wind energy. The southern state intends to establish a South Asian Renewable Energy Corridor as part of this major expansion. Transport and Electricity Minister S S Sivasankar presented this vision at the 6th International Energy Conference and Exhibition in New Delhi.
The strategy is aimed at delivering round‑the‑clock clean power and transforming Tamil Nadu into a regional energy partnership gateway. On the subject of regional cooperation and cross‑border energy, Sivasankar reiterated the state’s dedication to collaborating with Sri Lanka and other regional partners to build out this corridor. He emphasized making use of Tamil Nadu’s abundant solar potential and long coastline, combining solar, wind, and storage technologies to supply stable renewable electricity to consumers throughout the region.
Already a leader in India’s wind power sector, Tamil Nadu is doubling down on wind ambitions. The state is working to repower aging turbines, establish hybrid wind‑solar parks, and cultivate the broader wind technology ecosystem. Notably, in 2024 it introduced India’s first wind repowering policy — a landmark move in the renewables arena. Other recent policy advances include the Pumped Storage Policy 2024 and the Small Hydel Policy 2024. Tamil Nadu is also developing an Integrated Renewable Energy Policy, currently under preparation. Sivasankar pointed out that the state pioneered wind energy banking in 1990, highlighting its long‑standing commitment to wind energy.
Storage and grid infrastructure are central to the plan. A major 500 MW / 1000 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is under development, expected to be commercially operational by December 2026, with additional storage projects in the pipeline. These include tenders for a 375 MW / 1,500 MWh BESS and a 30 MW / 90 MWh solar + BESS hybrid facility. These projects are aimed at improving grid reliability and reducing curtailment of renewable generation.
Tamil Nadu also boasts substantial renewable equipment manufacturing capacity: 500 MW per year for wind components and 3,000 MW per year for solar panels and wafers. The state is encouraging private investment, international cooperation, technology sharing, and localization in the supply chain. Additionally, Tamil Nadu is establishing India’s first offshore wind ecosystem along its coastline. Sivasankar called for stronger foreign direct investment, technology partnerships, and local manufacturing.
Currently, over 20 GW of renewable capacity is already installed in Tamil Nadu, about half of which is wind power, positioning the state as a frontrunner in India’s clean energy transition. By combining its solar expansion plans with cutting‑edge storage technologies, policy innovation, and manufacturing strength, Tamil Nadu is gearing up to achieve reliable, round‑the‑clock clean power supply for both its own and regional energy needs.
