Renewable energy transition in Tamil Nadu: Strategies and solutions for complete transition

Energy is a valuable resource, a necessity, a commodity and a basic right, to all citizens. In spite of its value, it is always on short supply, as there is a rise in demand alongside a shortage or depletion of certain energy sources, such as fossil fuels. This has now led to the movement of many energy makers and citizens to start using renewable sources, such as solar, wind and geothermal energy. The ultimate end goal is one of complete transition to renewable energy sources. Tamil Nadu has already achieved an impressive 50% transition to renewable energy sources, but still heavily relies on coal and other fossil fuels for the remaining 50%. The present average demand of power in the state, as stated by the Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) PC Hub, is around 14,500 MW to 15,500 MW. The state operates the most diversified electricity generation portfolio in India, with an installed capacity of 31,894 MW which includes 50% of renewable energy, 28% from coal-based power plants including shares from central generating stations, 5% from nuclear power plants, 3% from gas power plants and 14% through Open Access and Captive Power Plants (CPP). This paper will study costs and trend analysis for different fuel usage, the ideal application of phase-by-phase transition of different regions to renewable energy sources that are most ideally suited based on climate and region, improvements and barriers in policies that may hinder or boost development, smooth transition of petrol bunks to electric, and strategies for environmental impact mitigation during transition, so as to ensure that the risk-reward ratio is more desirable and beneficial for the state.