Tamil Nadu CM Vijay announces establishment of new supercritical thermal power station in Thoothukudi

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced on August 31, 2026, a major infrastructure push to bolster the state’s power sector, including a new supercritical thermal power station in Thoothukudi and a ₹33,066 crore transmission improvement scheme. The initiatives aim to enhance grid stability, expand generation capacity, and modernize distribution networks across Tamil Nadu, including key urban centers like Chennai. The announcement follows concerns over supply reliability amid rising demand and uneven renewable energy output.

Under the Transmission Improvement Scheme, the state government plans to construct 196 new substations and lay 15,000 kilometers of transmission lines. Existing infrastructure will also be upgraded to reduce losses and improve reliability. A separate ₹1,762 crore project will focus on strengthening Chennai’s power distribution network by installing 36 new 33/11 kV substations and replacing outdated transformers, cables, and switchgear. These measures respond to frequent monsoon disruptions and peak summer demand surges in the capital.

Speaking in the Assembly, Chief Minister Vijay emphasized the need for thermal power as a dependable source during peak demand periods, noting that renewable sources like wind and solar, though growing, do not provide consistent supply. He highlighted that battery storage technology is being developed to store surplus renewable energy for use during non-generation hours. However, he stressed that the current infrastructure remains insufficient to meet the state’s energy needs around the clock.

Vijay criticized the lack of investment in thermal and hydroelectric power stations over the past five years. He announced plans to expand the Thoothukudi Thermal Power Station, one of Tamil Nadu’s oldest and most critical power facilities. The plant currently has five units, each generating 210 MW, totaling 1,050 MW. These units, commissioned between 1979 and later years, are now outdated and will be phased out in line with environmental regulations.

Under a public-private partnership model, the existing 210 MW units will be replaced with two larger supercritical units of 800 MW each, increasing the plant’s total capacity to 1,600 MW. The upgrade is expected to improve efficiency and reduce emissions while meeting the growing energy demands of southern Tamil Nadu.

The government’s multi-billion-rupee initiative reflects a broader strategy to balance renewable energy growth with reliable thermal power, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply across the state.

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