Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TNPGCL) has approved a proposal to increase the capacity of the Udangudi Stage II and Stage III thermal power projects from 2,640 MW to 3,200 MW. The revised plan involves installing two 800 MW coal-based supercritical units in each stage, replacing the earlier proposal for two 660 MW units in each stage. The TNPGCL board approved the revision in proceedings issued on October 12. Electricity Minister R Nirmalkumar said completing the proposed projects could take six to seven years. The corporation will now seek administrative approval from the state government before proceeding with the expanded plan. The projects will be implemented through the public-private partnership model, with tenders to be floated after the necessary approvals. The ongoing Ennore SEZ and Udangudi Stage I projects are expected to be the last power projects executed directly by the utility. The government has already decided to develop the stalled 2 x 800 MW Uppur project and the 660 MW Ennore Expansion project through the same model. The expansion follows the start of commercial operations at the first unit of the 2 x 660 MW Udangudi Stage I project in the first week of September. The second unit is expected to begin trial operations by the end of the year. TNPGCL has also approved the appointment of a consultant through the Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Development Board for preparatory and implementation-related work. The consultant will prepare the Detailed Feasibility Report and Detailed Project Report, conduct surveys, secure statutory clearances, draft tender specifications, invite and evaluate bids, and assist with contract awards and post-award activities. The assignment will cover an additional 800 MW unit at Stage I and the 1,600 MW planned under each of Stages II and III through tariff-based competitive bidding. Nirmalkumar said the state was procuring additional power to avoid outages that could affect industries, commercial establishments and other consumers. He said the government was spending Rs. 50-70 mn a day on power purchases, while proposals to allow direct procurement through open access would be considered after pending legal and tariff-related cases were resolved.