The ministry of new and renewable energy has issued a National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy. The objective of the policy is to provide a framework for 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, a government release said.
The hybrid policy mandates that the rated power capacity of each resource (solar or wind) should be at least 25 per cent of the total capacity of the combined (hybrid) installation.
On the technology front the policy provides for integration of both wind and solar energy, and at AC as well as DC level. The policy also provides for flexibility in share of wind and solar components in hybrid project, subject to the condition that, rated power capacity of one resource be at least 25 per cent of the rated power capacity of other resource for it to be recognised hybrid project.
The policy seeks to promote new hybrid projects as well as hybridisation of existing wind/solar projects. The existing wind/solar projects can be hybridised with higher transmission capacity than the sanctioned one, subject to availability of margin in the existing transmission capacity, the release observed.
The policy provides for procurement of power from a hybrid project on tariff-based transparent bidding process for which government entities may invite bids. The policy also permits use of battery storage in the hybrid project for optimising the output and further reducing the variability. It mandates the regulatory authorities to formulate necessary standards and regulations for wind-solar hybrid systems, the release added.
