Solar-wind hybrid policy: Salient Features

For the first time government has announced the solar-wind hybrid policy. The policy aims to give a boost to the renewable energy generation by promoting new projects as well as hybridisation of the existing ones.

The features of the solar-wind hybrid policy are

• In order to accomplish the target of achieving 175 gigawatt (gw) of installed capacity from renewable energy sources by 2022, which includes 100 gw of solar and 60 gw of wind power capacity 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.
• The policy also aims to encourage new technologies, methods and way-outs involving combined operation of wind and solar PV plants.
• The policy provides for procurement of power from a hybrid project on tariff-based transparent bidding process for which government entities may invite bids.
• It also permits use of battery storage in hybrid projects for optimising output and further reduces variability.
• The policy also mandates the regulatory authorities to formulate necessary standards and regulations for wind-solar hybrid systems.
• The government will extend all fiscal and financial incentives available to wind and solar power projects to hybrid projects.
• Government will also support technology development projects in the field.
• The policy provides for the integration of both the energy sources, wind and solar, at AC as well as DC levels.

Solar and wind power are variable in nature. This poses certain challenges on grid security and stability. Therefore suitable policy interventions are required not only for new wind-solar hybrid plants, but also for encouraging hybridisation of existing plants the policy is a good step in this direction.