TAMILNADU : ENERGY RESOURCES

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Energy Security and environmental Sustainability are vital to our future. Energy security is very important for economic Growth.  RENEWABLE ENERGY sources are essential in view of the depleting nature of conventional energy Resources.  Electricity is a critical Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE for sustainable growth of economy. Power development is an important input for the States Industrial, Commercial and Socio economic growth. For this, the availability of affordable, reliable and quality power is necessary. Therefore, adequate provision has to be made for augmenting power supply to bridge the gap between demand and supply as well as to meet the increasing future demand. Keeping this in view, Government is giving utmost importance to power sector in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu has one of the best power utilities in the country and the power sector in the State has grown manifold in capacity generation. All the villages and the towns are fully electrified.

Conventional resources of energy in Tamilnadu

 

Thermal power Plants in Tamilnadu:

 

 

Hydro electric power plants in Tamilnadu

 

Atomic energy in Tamilnadu

The Kalpakkam Nuclear Power Plant, Ennore Thermal Plant, Neyveli Lignite Power Plant, Virudhachalam Ceramics and the Narimanam Natural Gas Plants are major sources of Tamil Nadu’s electricity. It is presently adding the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant to its energy grid. Tamil Nadu sources some of its power needs from renewable sources with wind power contributing over 2000 MW or over 20% of the needs. Tamil Nadu is facing largest power shortage in 2013 (34.1% deficit), the highest in the country, due to industrialization over the last decade. India’s leading steel producer SAIL has a steel plant in Salem, Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu ranks first nationwide in diesel-based thermal electricity generation with national market share of over 34%.

 

 

Non conventional Energy Resources

Non conventional resources are also known as renewable energy resources. The State is blessed with various forms of renewable energy sources. The Environment-friendly renewable energy sources are perennial in nature, available locally and quite suitable for decentralized applications. The important renewable energy sources are as follows:

Among the above mentioned sources, three renewable energy sources, viz., wind, solar and bio energy are being harnessed in a big way in India and also in Tamil Nadu.

 

Present Scenario – Renewable Energy Sources

 

The total installed capacity of power generation from renewable energy sources in Tamil Nadu is 8533.26 Mega Watt (MW) as on 31.08.2015, which includes wind (7470.86 MW) and co-generation (659.40 MW) and biomass power (230 MW), solar (173 MW).

Tamil Nadu is an undisputed leader in renewable energy in India. The total renewable energy installed capacity as on 31.08.2015 is 8533.26 MW, which is 23.29% of the Country’s renewable capacity. The installed capacity of renewable energy in Mega Watt term is 36.96% of the total installed capacity of the State. In terms of energy generation, 14.07% comes from Renewable energy in the State. This is significantly higher than the contribution of renewable energy in the country, which is 9.28%.

In the State, the contribution to the installed capacity is highest from wind energy, followed by biogases-based Cogeneration/”>Cogeneration plants in sugar industries. This has largely come through private investments encouraged by policy initiatives of the Central and the State Governments.

 

Wind energy

Wind energy is one of the cleanest renewable sources of power. The potential area that are suitable for establishment of wind generators are mostly confined to the southern (Aralvoimozhi pass and Shengottai pass) and south western (Palghat and Cumbum pass) parts of the State. Total installed capacity under wind mill generation is 7470.86 MW. Tamil Nadu tops in harnessing resources of energy among all Indian States of the installed capacity, thus making it a clear leader in the wind Energy sector.

 

Solar energy

Tamil Nadu Solar Energy Policy 2012 aims at generating 3000 MW of solar power by 2015 with a vision of developing the State as a world leader in Solar Energy. This will be achieved through Utility Scale Projects (1500 MW), Rooftops (350 MW)

Tamil Nadu has a very good solar potential with 300 clear sunny days as it receives very high solar radiation. The Solar Photo Voltaic (SPV) technology which enables the direct conversion of sun Light into electricity has several distinct advantages, since it does not have moving parts, produces no noise or pollution, requires very little maintenance and can be installed anywhere. These advantages make them an ideal power source for use especially in remote and isolated areas which are not served by conventional electricity, making use of ample sunshine available in the State. SPV technology provides for decentralized installations thereby minimizing the need for transmission infrastructure. Similarly Solar Thermal with potential for storage is yet another very good solar technology.

 

Bio-mass energy

Bio-mass produced by green plants through Photosynthesis using sunlight, contains organic matter which could be converted to energy. Biomass can be obtained by raising energy plantations or may be obtained from organic waste. The biomass resources can be used in bio-energy technologies viz., biogas, gasifier, biomass combustion, cogeneration, etc., to produce energy-thermal or electricity. Biomass can be used in three ways – one in the form of gas through gasifiers for thermal applications, second in the form of methane gas to run gas engines and produce power and the third through combustion to produce steam which drives a turbine to generate electricity. Biomass combustion – The total installed capacity of the Grid interactive Biomass power projects in the State as on 31.08.2015 is 230 MW.,

Coal

Coal is a fossil fuel formed from the remains of ancient plants that have been buried and subjected to intense heat and pressure over millions of years. It is a solid, black or brown rock that is found in seams or layers in the Earth’s crust. Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel in the world, and it is used to generate electricity, produce steel, and make other products.

Coal is a non-renewable resource, which means that it cannot be replaced once it is used up. Burning coal releases carbon dioxide into the Atmosphere, which contributes to Climate change. Coal mining can also have a negative impact on the environment, as it can lead to deforestation, Water Pollution, and Air Pollution.

Natural gas

Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is found underground in the form of a gas. It is composed mostly of methane, but it also contains other hydrocarbons, such as ethane, propane, and butane. Natural gas is a cleaner-burning fuel than coal or oil, and it produces fewer emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

Natural gas is used to generate electricity, heat homes and businesses, and power vehicles. It is also used to make chemicals and Fertilizers. Natural gas is a non-renewable resource, and it is becoming increasingly scarce.

Petroleum

Petroleum is a fossil fuel that is found underground in the form of a liquid. It is composed mostly of hydrocarbons, such as methane, ethane, propane, butane, and pentane. Petroleum is also known as crude oil.

Petroleum is used to make gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and other fuels. It is also used to make plastics, fertilizers, and other chemicals. Petroleum is a non-renewable resource, and it is becoming increasingly scarce.

Hydropower

Hydropower is a form of renewable energy that uses the power of moving water to generate electricity. Hydropower plants are typically built on Dams, which create reservoirs that store water. When the water is released from the reservoir, it flows through turbines that generate electricity.

Hydropower is a clean and efficient form of energy, and it does not produce greenhouse gases. However, hydropower projects can have a negative impact on the environment, as they can disrupt the flow of rivers and streams, and they can also displace people who live in the area.

Nuclear power

Nuclear power is a form of energy that uses the heat from nuclear fission to generate electricity. Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a uranium atom into two smaller atoms. This process releases a large amount of energy, which is used to heat water. The hot water is then used to turn a turbine, which generates electricity.

Nuclear power is a clean and efficient form of energy, and it does not produce greenhouse gases. However, nuclear power plants are expensive to build and operate, and they produce radioactive waste.

Renewable energy

Renewable energy is energy that comes from sources that are naturally replenished, such as sunlight, wind, water, and geothermal heat. Renewable energy is a clean and sustainable form of energy, and it does not produce greenhouse gases.

There are many different types of renewable energy, including solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, Geothermal Energy, and biomass energy. Renewable energy is becoming increasingly important as the world looks for ways to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is the use of less energy to provide the same level of service. Energy efficiency can be achieved through a variety of measures, such as using energy-efficient appliances, improving insulation, and driving more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Energy efficiency is important because it can help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, save Money, and protect the environment.

Energy conservation

Energy conservation is the reduction in the amount of energy used. Energy conservation can be achieved through a variety of measures, such as turning off lights when you leave a room, unplugging appliances when you’re not using them, and taking shorter showers.

Energy conservation is important because it can help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, save money, and protect the environment.

What are the different types of energy resources?

There are two main types of energy resources: renewable and non-renewable. Renewable energy resources are those that can be replenished naturally, such as solar and wind power. Non-renewable energy resources are those that cannot be replenished, such as coal and oil.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of energy resource?

Renewable energy resources have the advantage of being sustainable, meaning they will not run out. However, they can be intermittent, meaning they do not always produce energy. Non-renewable energy resources have the advantage of being reliable, meaning they always produce energy. However, they are non-sustainable and can cause pollution.

What are the main energy resources used in Tamil Nadu?

The main energy resources used in Tamil Nadu are coal, oil, natural gas, and hydropower.

What are the environmental impacts of energy production?

The environmental impacts of energy production can vary depending on the type of energy resource used. For example, burning coal can release pollutants into the air, while extracting oil can damage land and Water Resources.

What are the challenges of meeting the world’s energy needs?

The world’s energy needs are growing rapidly, and it is a challenge to meet these needs in a sustainable way. One challenge is that the world is increasingly relying on non-renewable energy resources, which are non-sustainable and can cause pollution. Another challenge is that energy production can have negative environmental impacts.

What are some solutions to the challenges of meeting the world’s energy needs?

Some solutions to the challenges of meeting the world’s energy needs include increasing the use of renewable energy resources, improving energy efficiency, and developing new technologies for energy production.

What is the future of energy?

The future of energy is uncertain, but it is likely that renewable energy resources will play an increasingly important role. Renewable energy resources are becoming more affordable and efficient, and they have the potential to meet the world’s energy needs in a sustainable way.

  1. Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of which of the following energy resources?
    (A) Coal
    (B) Petroleum
    (C) Natural gas
    (D) Hydropower

  2. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is located in which of the following districts of Tamil Nadu?
    (A) Tirunelveli
    (B) Kanyakumari
    (C) Ramanathapuram
    (D) Madurai

  3. The Neyveli Lignite Corporation is located in which of the following districts of Tamil Nadu?
    (A) Cuddalore
    (B) Nagapattinam
    (C) Thanjavur
    (D) Tiruchirappalli

  4. The Ennore Thermal Power Station is located in which of the following districts of Tamil Nadu?
    (A) Chennai
    (B) Kanchipuram
    (C) Tiruvallur
    (D) Vellore

  5. The Mettur Dam is located on which of the following rivers?
    (A) Cauvery
    (B) Vaigai
    (C) Palar
    (D) Tambraparni

  6. The Parambikulam Aliyar Project is a joint venture between Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
    (A) True
    (B) False

  7. The Indira Gandhi Sagar Dam is located on which of the following rivers?
    (A) Krishna
    (B) Godavari
    (C) Cauvery
    (D) Pennar

  8. The Kallanai Dam is located on which of the following rivers?
    (A) Cauvery
    (B) Vaigai
    (C) Palar
    (D) Tambraparni

  9. The Mettur Dam is a gravity dam.
    (A) True
    (B) False

  10. The Neyveli Lignite Corporation is the largest producer of lignite in India.
    (A) True
    (B) False