Udangudi thermal plant Unit-1 begins commercial operations

Unit-1 of the Udangudi Supercritical Thermal Power Project in the Thoothukudi district has officially commenced commercial operations. The 660 MW unit successfully completed a mandatory 72-hour continuous full-load trial run, which began on September 2 and concluded on September 5, meeting the requirements for reliability and grid connection.

The Rs 13,076-crore project consists of two 660 MW units. With the commissioning of Unit-1, the total installed thermal power capacity of Tamil Nadu has increased from 4,460 MW to 5,120 MW. This addition is expected to reduce the state's reliance on expensive short-term power purchases from private suppliers.

Construction of the second 660 MW unit is currently underway, with completion expected by December 2026. The project, which saw delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, labor shortages, and legal disputes, was awarded to EPC contractor BHEL in 2017.