CHENNAI: State power distribution company Tangedco absorbed 106.91 million units (MU) of wind energy on Monday, the maximum this year. The utility is set to harness more as the peak wind energy season, which lasts 45 days, will begin on July 15.
The figure crossed 100MU for the first time on Sunday, recording 103.69MU, and improved to 106.91MU on Monday. With solar power contributing 22.8MU, the state on Monday achieved the targeted energy mix where one-thirds came from renewable sources.
The total energy consumption by the state on Monday was more than 340MU. In the last two months, Tangedco absorbed 400MU of wind energy. Tamil Nadu’s installed wind energy capacity is 8,621 MW. Of this, 25% is generated exclusively for Tangedco and the remaining for captive use by various industries.
K Venkatachalam, chief advisor to Tamil Nadu Spinning Mills Association (TASMA) appreciated Tangedco for making this happen for two consecutive days this season. Tangedco chairman Rajesh Lakhoni said several innovative initiatives were taken to make this happen.
“It requires a lot of planning. We keep hydro power as backup, in case wind fails. Some coal plants have started functioning on two shifts – between 12 noon and 2am – to meet the peak energy demand at nights,” the official said. “Further, since forecasting systems to analyse power demand are better now, we are able to strategize the energy mix a day ahead.”
If Tangedco plans better, it can maintain the same status during the peak season too, which is good news for the wind energy producers.
The Tangedco chairman said that two-shift operation of coal plants was initiated during the summer due to shortage of coal and NTPC officials visited the coal plants in the state to study the effectiveness of the initiative. Currently, Tangedco has a coal stock for 13 days.
Source: PTI
