The centre of this narrative is Tamil Nadu. The state has a long history as India’s first private wind market, 95.1 GW of wind potential at 150 meters, and a coastal-industrial base that can serve as an anchor for the upcoming wave of onshore and offshore deployment.
Energy as insurance
Tamil Nadu is one of the most wind rich states in India and already has extensive project experience, grid knowledge and engineering familiarity. It can absorb enormous extra capacity and it is crucial as the state’s ports, export-oriented industries and industrial clusters require consistent electricity rather than sporadic supplies. The state is also a key location for India’s foray into offshore wind energy, as evidenced by the centre’s approval of Rs 6853 crore in viability gap funding for 1000 MW of offshore projects, divided evenly between Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
As the state navigates climate risks, rising power demand and land constraints, investments in transmission, offshore wind and storage-linked projects can strengthen energy security. V O Chidambaranar Port has plans for a dedicated wind energy terminal which will be around 470 meters long with 30 hectares of backup space. This can serve as a logistics hub for the offshore supply chain, facilitating the installation of substations, turbines, foundations and maritime services. The state can transform wind energy into a more comprehensive industrial platform that connects export competitiveness, green hydrogen, clean electricity, port-led growth and the production of electrical equipment.
Tamil Nadu is well-positioned to spearhead the next phase of wind power. The question is whether industrial planning, infrastructure and policy can advance quickly.