Chennai, March 15 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu is poised to enhance its energy generation capabilities significantly with the commencement of operations at the Udangudi Supercritical Thermal Power Project, signaling an important advancement in the state's energy framework.

The Tamil Nadu Power Generation Corporation Limited (TNPGCL) has revealed that the initial unit of the 2x660 MW Udangudi thermal power facility is projected to commence full-scale commercial operations by June.

The project, which has a budget of Rs 13,077 crores, is among the state's key power generation ventures and has already started generating approximately 400 MW of infirm power following successful coal synchronization in February. TNPGCL officials stated that the generation capacity will be progressively increased in the upcoming weeks as part of the final testing phase.

As per TNPGCL Managing Director M. Govinda Rao, the utility intends to elevate the output of the first unit to its maximum capacity of 660 MW shortly. “We aim to operate the plant at its full capacity of 660 MW from next week while addressing any technical challenges that may arise during this process. Before the commercial commissioning, the plant must operate continuously at full load for 72 hours without interruption, which we anticipate achieving by June,” he remarked.

Officials clarified that the initial stage of power generation, referred to as infirm generation, is a standard procedure in thermal power projects. During this phase, the plant undergoes testing under varying loads to ensure operational stability and identify any potential issues before full-scale commercial operations commence.

The Udangudi initiative is expected to play a vital role in fulfilling Tamil Nadu’s increasing electricity demands, especially during peak summer months when power consumption surges across the state.

“The timely launch of the project ahead of the summer demand surge was made possible due to the unwavering commitment of engineers, technical teams, and all personnel involved,” Govinda Rao added.

The construction of the Udangudi supercritical thermal power plant began in 2018. The project incorporates advanced supercritical technology aimed at enhancing efficiency and minimizing emissions compared to traditional coal-fired power plants.

This facility also boasts a dedicated coal jetty to secure a consistent fuel supply for uninterrupted power generation. Once both units of the plant are operational, the Udangudi project will contribute an additional 1,320 MW to Tamil Nadu’s overall power capacity, bolstering the state’s energy security and supporting the rising demands of both industrial and domestic sectors.