T.N. govt. to adopt comprehensive approach to accelerate clean energy transition: Minister Nirmalkumar

The Tamil Nadu government is looking at a comprehensive approach to accelerate the clean energy transition in the State by involving all stakeholders, said C.T.R. Nirmalkumar, Minister for Energy Resources and Law.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the Silver Jubilee Edition of CII’s Green Power Conference in Chennai on Tuesday (June 9, 2026), Mr. Nirmalkumar said: “We are seeking to create a conducive ecosystem for large-scale deployment of renewable energy systems, distribute renewable energy including rooftop solar and solar pumps, and augment transmission and distribution infrastructure. The State is also advancing pumped hydro and battery energy storage projects to ensure better utilisation of renewable energy systems.” He added that the State is uniquely positioned to become a leader in offshore wind and green hydrogen, with excellent resources and port infrastructure.

Tamil Nadu is one of the leading States in the country in information technology, IT-enabled services, and AI infrastructure, he said, adding: “Leading corporates are welcome to invest in data centres in Tamil Nadu. The State government is looking forward to facilitating the meeting of the huge power requirement of these data centres through renewable energy sources.”

He added: “One of the important aspects of the renewable energy sector is the enormous job opportunities that it can create for the youth of the State. Through partnerships with industry, academic, and training institutions, we can skill young professionals in the State and create opportunities for them.”

A leader in renewable energy

Pointing to the importance of renewable energy in promoting economic growth, Mr. Nirmalkumar said: “Today, renewable energy is not merely an alternative source of power. It is central to Tamil Nadu’s economic growth, environmental sustainability, and energy security. Tamil Nadu has long been a pioneer in India’s clean energy journey. The State is blessed with abundant wind and solar resources, and this has helped it emerge as one of the country’s leading renewable energy destinations.”

Tamil Nadu’s total installed power generation capacity is around 48 GW, of which about 32 GW is from non-fossil fuel sources, including solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and nuclear energy, he said. Non-fossil sources contribute 66% of the State’s installed power capacity, which is phenomenal.

“Tamil Nadu is one of the first States to adopt wind energy and has historically been a leader in the manufacturing and deployment of wind turbines. The State has more than 12 GW of installed wind capacity, and the government will be happy to receive your feedback on repowering or revamping existing projects, developing additional infrastructure, and bringing in new policies. This can help in the modernisation of older wind assets and promote efficient utilisation of valuable wind resources,” the Minister said.

Stressing the need for an integrated renewable energy ecosystem, Mr. Nirmalkumar said: “As we look ahead, our vision extends beyond increasing renewable generation capacity. We are working towards an integrated renewable energy ecosystem focused on solar power, wind energy, pumped hydro and battery storage systems, green hydrogen, electric mobility, and smart grid technologies. This ecosystem will attract investments and strengthen Tamil Nadu’s position as a global manufacturing and innovation hub. This transition requires collaboration among government, industry, academia, financial institutions, and civil society.”

Jamshyd N. Godrej, Chairman, CII-Godrej GBC; Ravichandran Purushothaman, Chairman, CII Southern Region and President, Danfoss India; Ramesh Kymal, Chairman, RE Council, CII-Godrej GBC; Sujoy Ghosh, Co-Chairman, RE Council, CII-Godrej GBC and Vice President and Country Managing Director – India, First Solar; K.S. Venkatagiri, Executive Director, CII Green Business Centre; and P.V. Kiran Ananth, Deputy Executive Director, CII Green Business Centre participated.