Tamil Nadu Unveils 2031 Power Roadmap to Achieve 50 Percent Renewable Energy

Minister for Energy Resources and Law C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar has unveiled an ambitious power sector roadmap in Chennai aimed at ensuring reliable electricity supply, accelerating the transition to renewable energy, and modernising transmission and distribution infrastructure, with Tamil Nadu targeting a 50 per cent renewable energy share by 2031.

According to the energy department’s 2026-27 policy note, the state had an installed power capacity of about 46,846 MW as on July 1, 2026. Of this total, 28,348 MW came from renewable sources—including hydro, wind, solar, biomass, and co-generation—while conventional sources accounted for 18,498 MW. The state’s Vision 2031 roadmap centres on consumer welfare, clean energy, electric mobility, and grid modernisation to meet growing demand from industries, agriculture, and transport.

A key component of the policy is the revised free electricity scheme for domestic consumers. From May 10, 2026, households consuming up to 500 units every two months are entitled to free electricity up to 200 units, benefiting roughly 2.23 crore domestic consumers. Those exceeding 500 units will continue receiving 100 free units bi-monthly, with the cost covered by government tariff subsidies to TNPDCL.

The government has also targeted establishing 20,000 electric vehicle charging stations across the state by 2031, particularly along major transit corridors. As of April 2026, the state recorded 5.50 lakh registered electric vehicles and 2,425 charging stations, with feasibility studies completed for 528 sites under the PM e-Drive scheme. To encourage residential adoption, the policy proposes a 50 per cent capital subsidy up to ₹50,000 for EV charging points in apartment complexes, supported by a 'TN EV' app for discovery and payments.

For solar power expansion, TNGECL has floated a tender for 20 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar projects on government buildings under the PM Surya Ghar scheme across Chennai, Chengalpet, Kanchipuram, and Tiruvallur districts. Hydro generation is also slated for growth, with a generation target of 4,776 million units set for 2026-27 across 47 stations, while ongoing renovation works at Moyar and Kodayar will add 12 MW to the grid.