MNRE Announces New Policy for Wind and Solar Hybrid Power projects

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) today announced a new National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy that provides a framework for the promotion of large grid-connected wind-solar Photovoltaics (PV) hybrid systems for efficient utilization of transmission infrastructure and land.

The policy also aims at reducing the variability in renewable power generation and achieving better grid stability. A scheme for new hybrid projects under the policy is also expected shortly, the ministry said.

On technology front, the policy provides for the integration of both the energy sources i.e. wind and solar at Alternating Current (AC) as well as Direct Current (DC) level. The Policy also provides for flexibility in the share of wind and solar components in the hybrid project. This is subject to the condition that rated power capacity of one resource should 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 or solar projects. The existing wind and solar projects can be hybridised with higher transmission capacity than the sanctioned one, subject to availability of margin in the existing transmission capacity,” the ministry said.

The Policy also provides for procurement of power from a hybrid project on tariff-based transparent bidding process for which government entities may invite bids. The new policy permits the use of battery storage in hybrid projects for optimizing the output and further reduce variability. It mandates the regulatory authorities to formulate necessary standards and regulations for wind-solar hybrid systems.

With significant capacity additions in renewables in recent years and with Hybrid Policy aiming at better utilisation of resources, it is envisaged that the Hybrid Policy will open-up a new area for availability of renewable power at competitive prices along with reduced variability.

Credits : https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/mnre-introduces-policy-to-promote-new-hybrid-projects/64164284