Tamil Nadu is set to secure 6,486 MW of thermal power supply through procurement contracts by FY 2029–30, with an additional 7,000 MW planned by FY 2034–35, according to the Union Ministry of Power, referencing the Central Electricity Authority’s (CEA) Resource Adequacy Plan.

The initial 6,486 MW includes key projects under Tamil Nadu Power Generation Corporation Ltd (TNGCPL), such as:

• North Chennai Thermal Power Plant Stage III (800 MW)
• Udangudi Thermal Power Project Stage I (2×660 MW)
• Ennore SEZ Supercritical Thermal Project (2×660 MW)

However, projects still under construction, including the Ennore Expansion Thermal Power Station (TPS) (660 MW) and Uppur Supercritical Thermal Power Project (STPP) Units 1 and 2 (2×800 MW), have been excluded from this procurement plan.

The Ministry of Power has urged the Standing Linkage Committee to grant a long-term coal linkage under the SHAKTI Policy, 2025, to support tariff-based bidding for the Ennore TPS Expansion.

Currently, the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (TNPDCL) sources 15,043 MW from conventional sources. However, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) projects a median power deficit of 4,858 MW by FY 2026–27 and 6,997 MW by FY 2029–30.

To mitigate this shortfall, TNPDCL has been permitted to float a medium-term tender for 800 MW for a five-year period starting February 2026, under the finance, own, operate model.