Total renewable potential of Tamil Nadu is 720,000 MW

Chennai:

The renewable energy potential for Tamil Nadu is over 720,000 MW, comprising mainly of solar photo voltaic (259,000 MW), onshore wind (196,854 MW) and Solar CSP (Concentrating Solar Power) (78,505 MW), according to a study.

 The Action Plan for Comprehensive Renewable Energy Development in Tamil Nadu states that even if 20 per cent is achievable, the state could produce upto 140,000 MW of power from green energy sources.

The study also said that Tamil Nadu has a huge potential for off-grid solar applications and the rooftop photovoltaic installations potential for the state on gross availability of concrete roofs is about 30000 MW, according to a study.

The Action Plan for Comprehensive Renewable Energy Development in Tamil Nadu states that new regulatory measures like feed-in tariffs for rooftops or net metering can significantly alter the scenario by reducing the financial viability gap.

The report also highlights the solar water heating potential for the state. It states that the potential of 16.15 million square metre collector area translates into a water heating potential of 33 million litres per day. It says if the electrical 100 litres per day water heating unit is replaced by solar water heaters, the energy saving potential will be to the tune of 4,950 million units equivalent to 15-20 days of consumption for the whole of state.

The study also said that solar water pumping potential was assessed at 7,041 MW. This will result in substantial savings in electricity and grid losses, it said while stressing the need for a taluka level study to assess actual substitution potential.