The primary source of power generation in Tamil Nadu is thermal (coal-based). In 2020, thermal power plants generated 72% of the state’s electricity, followed by hydropower (16%), wind energy (10%), and solar energy (2%).
Thermal power plants use coal to generate electricity. Coal is a fossil fuel that is found in the earth’s crust. It is a non-renewable resource, which means that it cannot be replaced once it is used up. Coal is burned in a furnace to create steam, which then drives a turbine to generate electricity.
Hydropower plants use the power of moving water to generate electricity. Water is collected in a reservoir behind a dam. When the water is released from the dam, it flows through a turbine, which generates electricity.
Wind energy plants use the power of the wind to generate electricity. Wind turbines are tall towers with blades that rotate in the wind. The rotation of the blades drives a generator, which produces electricity.
Solar energy plants use the sun’s energy to generate electricity. Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells, which convert sunlight into electricity.
Thermal power plants are the most common type of power plant in Tamil Nadu. They are reliable and can generate large amounts of electricity. However, they are also a major source of air pollution. Hydropower plants are a clean source of energy, but they can only be built in certain locations. Wind energy and solar energy are becoming increasingly popular, but they are still intermittent sources of energy.