The Tamil Nadu Power Generation Corporation Limited (TNPGCL) has invited tenders for the road transport of crushed coal from the Thoothukudi Thermal Power Station (TTPS) to the upcoming Udangudi Thermal Power Plant.

TNPGCL Managing Director M. Govinda Rao explained that oil is typically used for the initial ignition of boilers and trial operations at new thermal power stations. “This helps the unit generate electricity before the main coal-firing system becomes operational. The first 660 MW unit of the Udangudi Thermal Power Station was synchronised with the state grid on 13 September and produced 80 MW during trial runs,” he said.

This marks the first time that the Udangudi plant has supplied electricity to Tamil Nadu’s grid. Following successful oil synchronisation, the plant is now preparing for coal synchronisation. Since the Udangudi project is designed to use blended coal — a combination of domestic and imported fuel — TNPGCL plans to transport coal from TTPS to meet its initial requirements. “This process will be completed within 45 days,” Rao added.

He clarified that the coal transfer from TTPS is only a temporary measure until the regular coal supply system is established.

Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) Chairman J. Radhakrishnan stated that the Udangudi Thermal Power Project, which earlier faced delays in main plant construction and coal jetty works, is now nearing completion.