Udangudi Thermal Plant’s First Unit Synced to Grid

16 Sep 2025 CW Team

The first 660 MW unit of the Udangudi Supercritical Thermal Power Project in Tamil Nadu has finally been synchronised with the grid, marking a long-awaited milestone for the state’s power sector. The project, being developed at a cost of Rs 13,076 crore by Tamil Nadu Power Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd (TNGPCL), was originally scheduled for commissioning in 2021 but faced repeated delays due to court disputes and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The synchronisation took place at 7.56 pm on Thursday, when the unit produced 42 MW during its initial trial run. Officials noted that the plant will undergo inspections and troubleshooting during trial operations before moving toward commercial generation in the coming months.

A senior TNGPCL official said the unit is expected to be commissioned in time to meet next summer’s projected peak demand of 22,000 MW. “Generation from our own thermal units will reduce reliance on high-cost power purchases from outside sources,” the official added.

The project’s engineering, procurement, and construction contract was awarded to Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) in December 2017. Alongside Udangudi, TNGPCL chairman J Radhakrishnan has directed BHEL to accelerate work on the 2×660 MW Ennore SEZ supercritical project, with at least one unit targeted for commissioning by March 2026.

During a site visit at Vayalur in Tiruvallur district, Radhakrishnan said that about 70 per cent of construction at Ennore had been completed and urged faster resolution of legal disputes delaying the work. He also reviewed operations at the North Chennai thermal stations, stressing timely maintenance and replacement of ageing components.

Products

06 Oct 2025

TOTO India Launches Premium G & L Showers with Sleek Faucet Range

TOTO India has launched its G Shower and L Shower series, alongside an expanded range of GT, LH, and Pull-Out lavatory faucets. The collection blends advanced technology, refined aesthetics, and everyday comfort, staying true to TOTO’s philosophy of creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The G Shower series delivers the 3Rs of showering: Relaxing, Refreshing, and Revitalizing. Features include the Calming Shawl spray mode, Warm Spa technology, and multiple overhead and hand-shower options across eight finishes. The L Shower complements this with easy-to-use controls sui..

Hero Future Energies Secures Funding for 120 MW Hybrid Project

Hero Future Energies (HFE), through its SPV Clean Renewable Energy Hybrid Three, has secured Rs 19.08 billion in funding from the State Bank of India (lead) and Canara Bank. The funds will be used to develop and construct HFE’s 120 MW renewable energy hybrid project at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The project, contracted with SJVN, integrates wind, solar, and storage technologies to deliver reliable peak power. With a 21-year repayment period, the funding ensures timely execution and the commencement of commercial operations. The financial closure demonstrates continued lender confidence in..

IOC GPS Renewables Raises Rs 8.36 billion Debt for Compressed Biogas Plants

IOC GPS Renewables Private Limited (IGRPL), a joint venture between IndianOil Corporation and GPS Renewables, has raised Rs 8.36 billion (approx. US$ 95 million) in debt financing from Indian Bank to execute nine Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects across India. The funding is the largest single-bank debt raise in the CBG sector and the first fully non-recourse financing in India for these projects. The plants—four in Haryana, three in Uttar Pradesh, one each in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh—will each produce 15 tonnes of CBG per day using paddy straw as feedstock. All nin..