India Launches Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy

Close to two years after the Indian government issued a draft Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, it has finally launched one officially. The National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy of India was issued on May 14, 2018. It will seek to promote large grid connected wind-solar PV hybrid systems.

Both existing large scale wind/solar power projects, as well as new hybrid projects will be promoted under the policy. For the existing wind/solar power projects, these can be hybridized with higher transmission capacity than the sanctioned one, subject to availability of space in the existing transmission capacity.

In case of new wind-solar hybrid project, power generated thus can be used for captive purpose, sold to third party through open access, sold to the distribution company at tariff determined through a competitive bidding process, or sold to the distribution company under Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) mechanism to avail RECs.

Regulatory authorities will formulate necessary standards and regulations for wind-solar hybrid systems.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) under Minister RK Singh says this will ensure efficient utilization of transmission infrastructure and land. Government entities may conduct tariff based bidding process to procure power from a hybrid project. Use of battery storage technology will be permitted under the policy to optimize output and reduce variability factor.

"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. A scheme for new hybrid projects under the policy is also expected shortly," read the MNRE press release on the subject.

Information about the Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy is available on MNRE's website.