National Wind-Solar Hybrid Energy Policy 2018 – IMPRI Impact And Policy Research Institute

Policy Update
Sonali Devi R

Introduction

India’s energy infrastructure has been evolving substantially to meet its obligation to address climate change, reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, and responsibly provide the country’s growing electricity needs. The combined use of alternative energy systems, specifically the incorporation of solar and wind power, has become progressively recognized as a feasible and innovative solution among various approaches for achieving this shift in energy sources.

On May 14, 2018, the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy was introduced by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) with the goal to make use of the complementing features of solar and wind energy. This approach was developed to foster a more reliable and efficient power supply, boost the efficient use of natural resources and infrastructure, and eliminate shifts in the generation of renewable energy. This policy has emerged as a significant milestone in addressing factors such as grid instability, land constraints, and power intermittency, as renewable energy proceeds to play an integral role in India’s clean energy conversion. 

Objectives of the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy

1. Effective Utilization of Resources: Through combining solar and wind power at a single facility, the policy intends to ensure the most effective practical use of renewable resources, particularly land and transmission infrastructure. Enhanced land management implies project colocation, which lowers ecological impacts and system duplication.
2. Better Grid Stability: Considering that wind and solar energy complement each other, these hybrid systems may lower energy production fluctuation. As a result, the national power grid’s stable frequency remains intact and energy generation becomes more consistent. 
3. Promotion of Hybrid Projects: This strategy promotes the renovation of standalone wind or solar plants and also encourages the generation of new hybrid energy production systems. It also promotes effective grid integration and broadens India’s green energy mix.
4. Storage Solutions: The policy fosters the installation of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in order to enhance the flexibility and reliability of hybrid projects. Storage assures accessibility during periods of inadequate generation or high demand and helps minimize power fluctuations.
5. Establishment of a Regulatory Framework: The main objective of the policy is to formulate an organized, standardized procedure for bringing hybrid projects into operation. As a way to maintain uniformity across states and developers, this includes guidelines for measuring, estimating, connectivity, and operational regulations.

Key Features of the Policy

1. Defining Hybrid Projects: A project qualifies as hybrid if it integrates both solar and wind technologies and at least 25% of its energy production is generated by any of the two sources. This ensures that both resources contribute fairly, guaranteeing steady generation of energy. 
2. Hybridization of Preexisting Projects: By combining the additional renewable resource, operators of present wind or solar power facilities can boost their capacity and efficiency. This improves the economic feasibility of previous initiatives and enables more efficient use of infrastructure.
3. Technology adaptability: Based on site-specific limitations and requirements, designers may choose between AC and DC designs. This versatility guarantees improved energy conversion, effective design, and seamless grid integration.
4. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): In order to stabilize output and preserve surplus energy, the policy promotes the incorporation of batteries. Power wastage lowers, grid resilience gets better, and supply is guaranteed during periods of high demand as a result of storage systems.
5. Financial Assistance and Incentives: Hybrid projects are authorized for financial assistance, subsidized duties, and accelerated depreciation rates, similar to those obtainable for wind and solar projects. This minimizes the financial burden on developers and boosts the appeal of investment.
6. Standardization and Grid connectivity: The policy mandates regulatory agencies to establish grid codes, connectivity standards, and operating requirements specific to hybrid projects. Grid safety, energy accounting, and fair market practices are thereby protected.

Merits of the Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy

1. Enhanced Transmission and Land Infrastructure: Utilizing transmission lines and land is rendered possible through connecting wind and solar systems linked together. Permit and processing time, ecological impact, and investment costs are all minimized as a consequence.
2. Improved Energy Reliance:The distinct generation profiles of solar and wind resources collaborate to mitigate daily and seasonal performance fluctuations. Therefore, the supply of energy becomes more predictable, strengthening grid stability and investor trust.
3. Minimized Curtailment: Hybrid systems maximize the utilization of the capacity for transmission and allow enhanced alignment with consumption patterns. Through eliminating the requirement to limit further energy use, this boosts overall generation efficiency and income.
4. Reduced Cost of Energy: Hybrid projects reduce the cost of electricity per unit by combining infrastructure which includes land, substations, and inverters. As an outcome, energy from renewable sources has become less costly and more accessible to consumers.
5. Impact on Climate Goals: The policy reinforces India’s pledge to boost green energy capacity and lower carbon emissions. It strengthens India’s standing as a pioneer in renewable energy and complies with global climate agreements.

Way Forward

The National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy demands an active and organized approach to ensure its sustainability and expansion. Regardless of the policy’s solid foundation, targeted measures are needed to address implementation gaps, foster innovation, and boost institutional capacity. The industry can be directed towards sustainable growth and energy security by employing the following actions:

1. Boost regulatory harmonization: State governments should establish consistent transparent standards and align their policies with the central framework. This will attract investment, increase transparency and eliminate bureaucratic delays.
2. Facilitate Storage through Incentives: By offering specific incentives for battery storage operations, like investment subsidies, performance-based rewards, or tax breaks, it is feasible to improve stability and stimulate broader implementation.
3. Fund Innovation and Research: The government and private sector should collaborate together to support research based on artificial intelligence energy management systems, hybrid inverters, and affordable energy storage. Innovation will increase system performance and reduce expenses.
4. Promote Capacity Building: Knowledge shortages will be addressed with the support of training programs for developers, grid operators, and regulatory organizations. Technical exchanges, accreditation schemes, and workshops assist in creating a workforce with the expertise needed for hybrid energy.
5. The promotion of Public-Private Partnerships: Government and private sector partnership might be beneficial for hybrid energy projects. These collaborations could offer investment, technical knowledge, and management expertise for broad implementation.
6. Establish Pilot Projects: Pilot projects can be utilized to evaluate and enhance hybrid models in a variety of regions. Imitation can be encouraged and future setups might serve as models after these experiments.

Conclusion

A groundbreaking shift in India’s renewable energy pathway has been proven possible by the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, 2018. Concerns such as land limitations, power outages, and underused transmission infrastructure have been addressed by this policy by uniting the complementary advantages of solar and wind energy. It stimulates innovation and increases the reliability and affordability of renewable energy production. 

Despite its immense prospective, effective implementation depends on organized regulatory action, technology developments, and cooperation amongst stakeholders at both the national and state levels. Achieving widespread adoption will require enhanced developer awareness, grid protocol standardization, and storage technology investment. 

Moving forward, wind-solar hybrids will be vital for fulfilling India’s expanding energy needs in a sustainable, effective, and clean way. If executed well, the initiative can be employed as an international model for planning for renewable energy and climate action.

References

1. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. (n.d.). National wind-solar hybrid policy and guidelines. Government of India. https://mnre.gov.in/en/wind-policy-and-guidelines/
   
2. Press Information Bureau. (2021, December 2). 1.44 GW wind-solar hybrid capacity commissioned under national policy: Union Minister. Government of India. https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=227282
   
3. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. (2018). Summary: National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy. Central Board of Irrigation & Power. https://www.cbip.org/policies2019/PD_07_Dec_2018_Policies/1_MNRE/1-Wind%20Solar/1%20Summary%20National%20Wind-Solar%20Policy.pdf
   
4. Indian Wind Power Association. (n.d.). Draft wind-solar hybrid policy: Annexure 1. IWPA. https://windpro.org/circula/IWPA-Circulr%20189-Annexure1-Draft-Wind-Solar-Hybrid-Policy.pdf

About the Author

Sonali Devi R is a research intern at the Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI). She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the Madras School of Social Work and is currently pursuing her Master’s in International Relations at Loyola College, Chennai. Her academic interests lie in refugee rights, foreign policy, and global governance. 

Acknowledgement

The author would like to express sincere gratitude to Dr Arjun Kumar and Ms Aasthaba Jadeja for giving the opportunity for writing the article.

Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation. 

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