Wind power development in Tamil Nadu

Wind power is one of the oldest-exploited energy sources by humans and today is the most seasoned and efficient energy of all renewable energies. Wind energy does not contaminate, it is inexhaustible and reduces the use of fossil fuels, which are the origin of greenhouse gasses that cause global warming. In addition, wind energy is a native energy, because it is available practically everywhere on the plant, which contributes to reducing energy imports and to creating wealth and local employment. Tamil Nadu is the leading State in India in promoting and harnessing renewable sources of energy particularly wind. Tamil Nadu is endowed with rich wind energy potential in the country. In the Tirunelveli region in Tamil Nadu alone, there are two wind seasons-May to October and November to March, with the wind speeds higher during the first period. In Muppandal in Tamil Nadu, the wind speed exceed 43.2–46.8 km an hour during the peak period. Of the total installed capacity in the country of 26915 MW, the share of Tamil Nadu is 7654.17 MW as on 31st March, 2016. This paper is devoted to the areas like factors favouring wind mills in Tamil Nadu, wind power potential and installation in Tamil Nadu and supportive policies for the growth and development of wind power in Tamil Nadu.