Government Advances Renewable Energy Integration with National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy

New Delhi: In a concerted effort to harness the full potential of renewable energy sources, the Indian government introduced the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy on May 14, 2018. The policy framework aims to facilitate the promotion of large grid-connected wind-solar PV hybrid systems, optimizing the efficient utilization of wind and solar resources, transmission infrastructure, and land.

The key objectives of the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy are:

Efficient Resource Utilization: The policy seeks to encourage the combined operation of wind and solar PV plants, fostering optimal utilization of these resources.

Technology Innovation: By promoting new technologies and methods, the policy encourages advancements in the simultaneous operation of wind and solar PV plants.

Some prominent features of the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy include:

Integration Protocols: Depending on the type of wind turbine technology used, the wind-solar hybrid plants can integrate at the AC output bus or the intermediate DC bus of the AC-DC-AC converter.

Capacity Sizing Criteria: The rated power capacity of one resource (wind or solar) must be at least 25% of the rated power capacity of the other resource for a plant to be recognized as a wind-solar hybrid plant.

Flexibility for Existing Projects: Existing wind or solar power projects can install solar PV plants or wind turbine generators (WTGs) to benefit from the hybrid project, thereby promoting the integration of different renewable energy sources.

Battery Storage Inclusion: The policy allows the addition of battery storage to the hybrid projects, aiming to reduce power output variability, provide higher energy output for a given capacity, and ensure the availability of firm power during specific periods.

Various Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIAs), including Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. (SECI), NTPC Ltd., SJVN Ltd., and NHPC Ltd., have issued tenders for solar-wind hybrid projects, solar-wind hybrid projects with assured supply during peak hours, and round-the-clock renewable power. As of December 31, 2023, approximately 1.44 GW of hybrid projects have already been commissioned.

Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power, Shri R. K. Singh, shared this information in response to a written question in the Lok Sabha on February 8, 2024. The National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy underscores India’s commitment to fostering sustainable energy practices and integrating diverse renewable energy sources into its power grid.