MNRE ISSUES NATIONAL WIND–SOLAR HYBRID POLICY

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, issued the National Wind–Solar Hybrid Policy on May 14, 2018. The objective of the policy is to provide a framework for the promotion of large grid-connected wind–solar PV hybrid system for efficient utilization of transmission infrastructure and land. It also aims at reducing the variability in renewable power generation and achieving better grid stability.

On technology front, the Policy provides for an integration of both the energy sources, that is, wind and solar at AC as well as DC level. The Policy also provides for flexibility in the share of wind and solar components in the hybrid project, subject to the condition that, rated power capacity of one resource be at least 25% of the rated power capacity of other resource for it to be recognized hybrid project. The Policy seeks to promote new hybrid projects as well as hybridization of the existing wind/solar projects. The existing wind/solar projects can be hybridized with higher transmission capacity than the sanctioned one, subject to the availability of margin in the existing transmission capacity. The Policy provides for procurement of power from a hybrid project on tariff-based transparent bidding process for which the Government entities may invite bids. The Policy also permits use of battery storage in the hybrid project for optimizing the output and further reduce the variability. It mandates the regulatory authorities to formulate necessary standards and regulations for wind–solar hybrid systems. With significant capacity additions in renewables in the recent years and with Hybrid Policy aiming at better utilization of resources, it is envisaged that the Hybrid Policy will open-up a new area for the availability of renewable power at competitive prices along with reduced variability. A scheme for new hybrid projects under the policy is also expected shortly.

Source: http://pib.nic.in/