The Tamil Nadu Power Generation Corporation Limited (TNPGCL) has prepared feasibility reports for setting up a new 600 MW coal-based thermal power plant in Thoothukudi at an estimated cost of ₹6,000 crore. Land adjacent to the existing thermal station has been identified as the most viable site after examining four possible locations.
A senior TNPGCL official said that the project follows the announcement made by former Electricity Minister V. Senthil Balaji during the 2025-26 state budget session. “Subsequently, TNPGCL carried out feasibility studies covering power generation, transmission and substation requirements in and around the town. The reports will now be submitted to the state government for approval, following which preliminary works will begin,” the official said.
Currently, most thermal plants are concentrated in northern and western Tamil Nadu, leaving the southern districts heavily dependent on supply from other regions. “The proposed 600 MW project will strengthen local power generation, reduce transmission losses and ensure reliable supply for households, industries and agriculture, thereby driving industrial growth in southern Tamil Nadu,” the official added.
Tamil Nadu’s peak power demand touched 20,840 MW last year and is projected to grow by 6–7% annually. To meet this rising demand, TNPGCL has planned new thermal projects with a combined capacity of 6,486 MW over the next five years.
These include North Chennai Thermal Power Plant Stage III (1×800 MW), Udangudi Thermal Power Project Stage I (2×660 MW), Ennore SEZ Supercritical Thermal Power Project (2×660 MW) and the new Thoothukudi unit (600 MW). The North Chennai unit is nearly ready for commissioning, while the Udangudi plant is expected to begin operations by year-end, officials said.
