Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation, known as Tantransco, is moving forward with an ambitious power infrastructure project in Chennai. The corporation plans to establish a new 400 kilovolt substation in the Ambattur industrial area. This facility will specifically serve the growing power demands of existing and proposed data centres in the region.
A Major Investment in Reliable Power
The project carries a substantial price tag of 1,045 crore rupees. Officials state the primary goal is to ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply for data centre operations. These facilities require uninterrupted power to function effectively. The new substation will also enhance overall power quality for the entire industrial estate and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Government Approval and Competitive Bidding
The state government has recently granted formal administrative sanction for the project. A Government Order was passed, authorizing Tantransco to proceed. The corporation will now conduct a tariff-based competitive bidding process to select contractors and manage costs efficiently.
Space-Saving Gas-Insulated Technology
A key feature of this new substation is its gas-insulated design. Unlike traditional open-air substations that require large land areas, this compact technology uses gas for insulation within enclosed modules. "Since it is gas-insulated, it will not require a vast land parcel like the conventional open substation," explained a Tantransco official. This makes it ideal for urban industrial zones where space is at a premium.
The substation will be constructed adjacent to the existing facility at the Ambattur industrial estate. This strategic location allows for easier integration with the current power grid. The project represents a significant step in upgrading Chennai's electrical infrastructure to support its expanding digital economy and industrial base.
