Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy in 2018 with an aim to boost renewable power generation by promoting new projects as well as hybridization of existing ones.
Key Features
Efficient utilisation of Infrastructure: The policy provides for a comprehensive framework to promote large grid-connected wind-solar photovoltaic (PV) hybrid system for optional and efficient utilisation of transmission infrastructure and land, thereby reducing the variability in renewable power generation and achieving better grid stability.
Technology: Policy provides for integration of both energy sources i.e. wind and solar at alternating current (AC) as well as direct current (DC) level.
Hybrid Projects: The policy seeks to promote new hybrid projects as well as hybridisation of existing wind and solar projects.
Procurement of Power: It will be on tariff based transparent bidding process for which Government entities may invite bids.
Use of Battery Storage: The policy permits use of battery storage in hybrid project for optimising output and reduce variability.
Standards and Regulations: It mandates the regulatory authorities to formulate necessary standards and regulations for wind-solar hybrid systems.
Benefits
India has major areas where the potential of both wind and solar resources can be harnessed on a high to moderate level. Also, both the resources complement each other and hybridization will further help in improving grid security and stability.
Challenges
There are some inherent challenges that constrain the productivity of most stand-alone solar or wind power plants. Some of those challenges include the intermittent nature of the availability of these resources, lack of efficient storage devices, etc.