In a major push towards renewable energy modernisation, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) is set to decommission ageing wind turbines and replace them with hybrid wind-solar power plants. The initiative, to be executed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, aims to maximise energy efficiency while ensuring a stable and reliable power supply.

The outdated wind turbines, installed between 1986 and 1993 across 110 wind farms in Tamil Nadu, have seen a significant drop in efficiency. These sites, with a combined capacity of 17 MW, include key locations such as Kanyakumari (Muppandal), Tuticorin, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, and Madurai. TNEB plans to replace them with a 22 MW wind farm and an 18 MW solar power plant at the same sites.

By integrating solar and wind energy, the hybrid model ensures consistent power generation—solar energy during the day and wind energy at night or in the off-season—optimising land use and minimising costs by leveraging existing electrical infrastructure.

Under the PPP model, a private firm will develop, operate, and maintain the hybrid plants for 25 years, with TNEB purchasing electricity at a predetermined tariff. The project has received board approval and awaits government clearance before tenders are issued.

This transition aligns with Tamil Nadu’s commitment to sustainable energy, offering benefits such as enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and long-term environmental sustainability.