Tamil Nadu is pushing forward with big plans to build a South Asian Renewable Energy Corridor that could deliver clean power around the clock. State Transport and Electricity Minister S S Sivasankar shared these ideas during the 6th International Energy Conference and Exhibition in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Teaming up with Sri Lanka and other neighbors, Tamil Nadu wants to act as the main hub for renewable energy in the region. “We’re ready to create this South Asian Renewable Energy Corridor,” the minister said, highlighting the state’s strong position thanks to its sunny skies and long coastline.
To hit its green energy targets, Tamil Nadu plans to add 10,000 megawatts (MW) of solar power and 2,000 MW of wind power over the next five years. The state blends solar, wind, and energy storage to ensure reliable power at all hours. Sivasankar pointed out that Tamil Nadu already leads India in wind energy capacity, and it’s boosting this by upgrading old turbines, building hybrid wind-solar parks, and rolling out the country’s first wind repowering policy in 2024.
Tamil Nadu stays ahead with smart policies on renewable energy technologies. It’s the second state in India to launch a Pumped Storage Policy in 2024 and a Small Hydel Policy in 2024, and an Integrated Renewable Energy Policy is in the works. “We’re pushing battery storage projects and smart grid tech to make the most of renewables and cut down on waste,” the minister explained.
For example, surplus solar power gets stored for peak evening use. The state has issued a letter of award for a 500 MW/1,000 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) project, set to start operations by December 2026. Tenders are also out for a 375 MW/1,500 MWh BESS and a 30 MW/90 MWh solar-plus-BESS plant.
The state welcomes private companies, global partners, and research in cutting-edge areas like advanced wind turbines and offshore wind platforms. Sivasankar invited foreign direct investment (FDI), tech transfers, and local supply chains to develop India’s first offshore wind hub along Tamil Nadu’s coast.
Tamil Nadu boasts a solid manufacturing base for wind and solar gear, producing 500 MW of wind blades and turbines each year, plus 3,000 MW worth of solar panels and wafers. “By teaming up, we can boost economies, lift communities, and pave the way to a net-zero future,” he added.
Today, Tamil Nadu ranks among India’s top renewable energy states with over 20 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity—more than 10 GW from wind alone. It was also the first state to start wind energy banking back in 1990.
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