TN Record Set: 12, 141 MW Generated

January04, 2013 was a big day for Tamil Nadu’s energy sector as it notched up an all-time high power generation of 12,141 MW. This happened despite zero contribution from the Koodankulam nuclear power plant. The major share of generation came from the TNEB’s thermal power plants - which totally produced 3,270 MW - and from the Central generating stations with 3,293 MW. Significantly, wind power generation was down to just 468 MW earlier. The contribution of TNEB’s hydro power plants was 1,271 MW and gas-run plants 309 MW. The previous record was set on October 1, 2013, with 12,118 MW being generated — with liberal contribution from the wind sector: 2,300 MW.

The smooth functioning of all four new power plants, including two units at Vallur, the North Chennai Phase 2 Unit 1 and the Mettur power plant gave generation a leg up. Another factor was the resumption of production at the NTPC plant after annual maintenance. Beaming TNEB officials said Tamil Nadu might soon be able to generate as much as 13,000 MW when the Koodankulam Power Plant and the North Chennai Phase 2 Unit 2  — closed after a fire accident late last year — pitch in with their contribution.