Tamil Nadu would be able to cut emissions by one-third if 60% of the renewable energy (RE) capacity was integrated by 2030, a report said. Tamil Nadu, one of the highest per capita power-consuming states in the country, would play a prominent role in energy transition.

"A highly industrialised state like Tamil Nadu notwithstanding its growing energy needs can reduce emissions by 25-32% if the state integrates about 60% of renewable capacity," said the report ‘Working Paper' released at the event 'Tamil Nadu Sustainable Energy Transformation Dialogues' in Chennai.

The state is unique in having both thermal and renewable capacities, and with plans to add more of both generation sources. It is imperative to prudently evaluate future capacity additions and its impact on emission levels and future generation mix in the medium and long-term, said Sandhya Sundararagavan of WRI India. Energy planning tools can prove useful in visualising supply-demand possibilities, designing emission targets and carving out various ways to transition toward low-carbon pathways for the State.

Additional chief secretary, Tamil Nadu-planning and development, Vikram Kapur said, "We must benchmark per capita power consumption to optimise capacity additions and avoid redundancies.”