Generation has been subdued in Tamil Nadu compared to other southern States

Renewable energy (wind, solar, biomass and small hydropower) generation in Tamil Nadu was 16,223 million units in April 2018-February 2019, accounting for 17.5% of the total energy mix.

Andhra Pradesh surpassed Tamil Nadu in renewable energy mix in total generation in the April-February 2019 period, according to report by research firm Elara Capital. Karnataka continued to lead with 20,144 million units, accounting for 31.3% of the total energy generation.

The firm sourced data from Central Electricity Authority.

Andhra Pradesh generated 12,980 million units from renewable energy sources and accounted for nearly 19% of the total energy mix in the first 11 months of FY19. “The jump has mainly come about because of rapid increase in solar capacity in Andhra Pradesh to over 2.7 GW in the last 3 years. In contrast, renewable capacity growth has been relatively subdued in Tamil Nadu, Vinay Rustagi, managing director at renewable energy consultancy Bridge to India said.

According to the firm, Andhra Pradesh added a solar capacity of 630 MW in calendar year 2018, while Tamil Nadu added just 250 MW.

Mr. Rustagi pointed out that there was substantial wind capacity under development in Tamil Nadu right now, but most of the new projects were being set up to supply power to other states in central and northern India.

“We see both Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh as amongst the top 5 states in renewable in India. Both have very attractive solar and wind potential and are growing rapidly,” he said.

Bridge to India expects Tamil Nadu to add 1,872 MW of solar capacity in Tamil Nadu, while Karnataka is expected to add 1,555 MW.

The overall capacity addition in the wind power sector is expected at 2,300 MW in 2019 and almost all this new capacity is expected to come up in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, it added.