In a bid to increase Tamil Nadu’s renewable energy output, experts have suggested that the state turn its attention to small hydroelectric plants.
According to recent data from the union government, Karnataka has 4,500 small hydroelectric plants, while Tamil Nadu has only 123. Experts said Tangedco should prioritise small hydroelectric projects below 20 megawatts.According to official source, Tamil Nadu has a hydropower capacity of 2,321.90 MW but the focus has never been on small power projects. In contrast, Karnataka is actively initiating small projects in the Cauvery and Krishna basins. Small hydropower stations can be set up at reservoirs like Mettur, Bhavani Sagar and Vaigai harnessing power from runoff water. Hydroelectric power costs less than a rupee when compared with thermal power and wind energy. A Tangedco official suggests storing water in specific reservoir areas during the monsoon to facilitate cost-effective power generation.
E. Natarajan, state general secretary of Bharathiya Electricity Engineers Association, told TNIE, “Harnessing renewable energy is vital to achieve zero-carbon goal by 2030. Tamil Nadu plays a major role in wind energy generation across the country, and increasing the number of hydropower stations will significantly help the utility economically while avoiding pollution.”
