Solar power generation will also see a rise, say Tangedco officials

The district is set to get an additional 1,300 MW capacity through wind generation over the next year, say Tangedco officials.

Around 600 MW would be connected to the central grid, while another 700 MW would be connected to the State utility. Out of this, around 250 MW was commissioned recently by a private company, said M. Sivalingarajan, Superintending Engineer, Non-Conventional Energy Sources, Tirunelveli.

Besides, the district has an existing connected load of 553 MW from 558 wind turbines, and has further potential for expansion.

Meanwhile, the neighbouring Tirunelveli district has 5,380 wind turbines with a capacity of 3,715 MW. Tirunelveli district is now saturated in terms of wind energy, says Mr. Sivalingarajan.

Meanwhile, Kanniyakumari district has 592 wind turbines with a capacity of 154.8 MW. Companies including Suzlon Energy, Mytrah Energy, ReGen Powertech and Kshema Power have been setting up the windfarms in Thoothukudi.

Solar power generation is also set to increase by 550 MW at places including Therku Mayilodai and Parivallikottai, while the district has an existing capacity of 41MW from eight plants.

Private companies have also been tapping the energy through various techniques including floating solar power plants for captive use.

Areas

The wind energy capacity is being developed in areas such as Villisery, Eppodum Vendran, Maniyachi, Therku Mayilodai, Onamakulam, Kayathar and other areas.

The four districts of Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram have a total power generation capacity of 4,426.025MW, contributing a majority of wind energy generated in the State along with areas like Udumalapettai.

However, farmers and landowners have been consistently raising concerns about encroachments by the companies who put up electric poles and transmission lines without their permission. S. Thangavel, a farmer belonging to Ottapidaram, said that compensation promised by the companies for setting up their transmission lines on farmlands have not been given yet for many farmers in the area.

C. Shanmuga Mallusamy, another farmer, said that the companies laid roads for their use obstructing water channels with scant regard for agriculture, affecting many farmlands nearby.

Earlier, the district administration had removed a number of poles encroaching upon government poromboke lands, and warned strict action against companies for encroaching upon private and public spaces.