Sun Feb 23 17:27:16 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Faces Looming Energy Deficit, Warns Report
**Chennai, February 24, 2025** – A new report by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) predicts a significant energy deficit in Tamil Nadu over the next decade. The Resource Adequacy Plan, covering the period 2024-25 to 2034-35, reveals that the state could face an unserved energy shortfall of approximately 45,587 million units by 2034-35, particularly during February and March.
The report, which considers existing and planned generation capacity, including renewable energy obligations, highlights a growing gap between projected demand and available supply. While Tamil Nadu met its peak power demand of 19,045 MW in 2023-24 without interruption, the state’s energy consumption is rapidly increasing. A record high daily consumption of 454.320 million units was recorded on April 30, 2024, and further increases are anticipated. The state’s projected peak demand by 2034-35 is a substantial 35,507 MW.
The CEA study emphasizes the need for additional generation capacity to meet the projected demand reliably. It suggests the need for an additional 7,000 MW from coal, 5,500 MW each from solar and wind power, and 11,680 MW from energy storage solutions, along with a 19% planning reserve margin. The report also proposes short, medium, and long-term strategies to address the energy deficit effectively.
Despite Tamil Nadu’s significant investment in renewable energy, with non-fossil fuel-based capacity projected to reach 77% by 2034-35, the report underscores the urgent need for proactive planning to prevent widespread power shortages. The CEA recommends a year-wise plan to procure power from various sources to bridge the gap and ensure reliable power supply.
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