Meenakshi Energy Limited (MEL), a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited is a thermal power generation company established on 21 August 1996 and is located at Thamminapatnam, Chillakur Mandal, Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh.
Strategically positioned near Krishnapatnam Port, the plant comprises four units (2×150 MW and 2×350 MW). Meenakshi Energy plays a significant role in meeting India’s growing energy needs, supplying power to state-owned utilities and industrial consumers. Through a Power Purchase Agreement for 5 years, Meenakshi Energy will be supplying power to Tamil Nadu Power Development Corporation Limited (TNPDCL), effective 1st February 2026.
The facility strengthens Vedanta’s overall energy portfolio by adding reliable baseload generation capacity and is committed to safe, reliable, and responsible power generation, supported by robust operations and maintenance practices, fuel security, and strong community partnerships.
Originally incorporated in 1996 as Vikas Power Private Limited, the company has undergone a significant journey of transformation. In 2007, it was renamed Meenakshi Energy Private Limited, marking its identity as a dedicated energy producer. Over the years, the company saw multiple ownership transitions, including acquisition by GDF Suez in 2013 and later by India Power Corporation Limited (IPCL) in 2016. In 2017, it was rebranded as Meenakshi Energy Limited, and following a period of insolvency resolution, the plant was acquired by Vedanta Limited in 2023.
Meenakshi Energy successfully achieved full commissioning of all four units within two years of its acquisition, through a structured revival plan, ensuring stable baseload power for the nation and reinforcing Vedanta Power’s commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat and India’s energy security.
From its inception as a local private power project to its current stature as a Vedanta enterprise, Meenakshi Energy has evolved into a vital pillar of India’s energy infrastructure.
| Unit | Capacity | COD Date |
|---|---|---|
| U#2 | 150 MW | 01-Aug-2024 |
| U#1 | 150 MW | 01-Feb-2025 |
| U#3 | 350 MW | 11-Jul-2025 |
| U#4 | 350 MW | 25-Aug-2025 |
Meenakshi Energy is committed to responsible operations, environmental stewardship, and inclusive growth. Sustainability is embedded across operations, ensuring safe, efficient, compliant, and ethical practices aligned with global ESG standards and the Vedanta ESG commitment.
Guided by Vedanta’s principle of Transforming for Good, MEL’s ESG transformation strategy is built on three core pillars: Transforming Communities, Transforming the Planet, and Transforming the Workforce.
Meenakshi Energy Limited is equipped with the necessary systems and infrastructure to comply with all applicable environmental regulations. A dedicated Environmental function oversees and manages environmental aspects of plant operations The plant ensures the reduction and continuous monitoring of emissions and effluents through the installation of advanced equipment, including:
Water stewardship at Meenakshi Energy Limited is governed by a dedicated Water Management Policy and implemented through a structured water management standard. The plant operates exclusively on saline water sourced from Kandaleru Creek, with no abstraction of freshwater or groundwater for any operational requirement. Seawater is utilised for condenser cooling and other plant consumptive purposes. A closed-cycle cooling water system with induced draft cooling towers is in place, significantly reducing the overall water requirement of the plant.
Water usage is managed in strict accordance with regulatory approvals. Approximately 65% of the used water is safely discharged back into the sea after meeting the prescribed norms stipulated by the Pollution Control Board (PCB). Wherever technically feasible, water is recycled, reused, and conserved within the process to minimise overall intake.
The specific seawater withdrawal is 7.48 m³/MWh, and the cycle of concentration of the cooling tower is maintained at 1.5.
Water management considerations are integrated into operational planning and decision-making processes, supported by robust implementation and monitoring mechanisms. This approach ensures optimal utilisation of water resources, minimisation of wastage, sustained regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in water efficiency.
The Biodiversity Policy provides a structured framework for integrating biodiversity conservation across the entire project lifecycle, including planning, operations, decommissioning, closure, and site restoration. The approach is guided by a commitment to achieving No Net Loss (NNL) of biodiversity across operations and, where critical or sensitive habitats are present, to striving towards Net Positive Gain (NPG).
Biodiversity considerations are systematically embedded into project planning and operational decision-making processes to minimise ecological impacts and strengthen conservation outcomes.
Meenakshi Energy Limited has committed to planting 60,000 trees by FY 2026 as part of its environmental stewardship efforts.
The Energy and Carbon Policy commits to the adoption and progressive implementation of recognised best practices in energy efficiency and carbon management, with the objective of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over time.
Energy use is systematically assessed through efficient engineering design, process optimisation, and the deployment of smart, energy-efficient technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
Current efforts are focused on establishing robust baseline data for energy consumption and emissions to support future improvement initiatives.
At Meenakshi Energy, safety is a core value and an integral part of the way we work.
MEL’s safety philosophy is anchored in the principle of Zero Harm, reinforced through strong leadership commitment and active workforce participation. Together, they foster a culture where safety, health, and wellbeing are everyone’s responsibility.
A robust Safety Management System with Critical Risk Management, Visible Felt Leadership Program, Monthly Theme based Safety Campaign, Safety Training to ensure hazards are identified, risks are assessed, and controls are implemented effectively before and during all activities.
Dedicated Safety Professionals, Trained Fire and Emergency Response team and Occupation Health Professionals are ensuring Safety, Health and Wellbeing of people working at Meenakshi energy limited.
People are Meenakshi Energy’s biggest strength. With nearly 43% young professionals bringing energy and agility, and 22% workforce diversity shaping an inclusive, learning-driven culture, we’re building a workplace where everyone belongs — including more women stepping into core operational roles.