National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, 2018 – A Snapshot

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India (“MNRE”) issued the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy (“NWSH Policy”) on May 14, 2018.

The key provisions of the NWSH Policy are as follows:

• The key objective of the NWSH Policy is to provide a framework for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar PV hybrid system (“Hybrid System”) for optimal and efficient utilization of transmission infrastructure and land, reducing the variability in renewable power generation and achieving better grid stability.

• The Government has been mandated to promote development Hybrid System through different schemes and programmes. It is specifically provided in the NWSH Policy that all fiscal and financial incentives available to wind and solar power projects will also be made available to Hybrid System projects.

• As per the NWSH Policy, a wind-solar plant will be recognized as Hybrid System plant if the rated power capacity of one resource is at least 25% of the rated power capacity of other resource. The implementation of Hybrid System will depend on different configurations and use of technology.

• In case of Hybrid Systems, wind turbine generators (WTGs) and solar PV systems are required to be configured to operate at the same point of grid connection.

• The technical guidelines issued by the MNRE from time to time for grid connected systems would apply to wind turbines, solar modules and balance of systems.

• The power generated from the Hybrid Systems may be used for (a) captive purpose; (b) sale to third party through open access; (c) sale to the distribution companies, either at tariff determined by the respective state electricity commissions or at tariff discovered through transparent bidding process; and (d) sale to the distribution companies at APPC under REC mechanism.

• The power procured from the Hybrid System project may be used for fulfilment of solar RPO and non-solar RPO in the proportion of rated capacity of solar and wind power in the Hybrid System plant respectively.

• Existing wind or solar power projects, intending to convert into a Hybrid System to avail benefit of Hybrid System project, may be allowed to do so subject to compliance with the conditions detailed in the NWSH Policy.

• As per the NWSH Policy, battery storage system may be added to a Hybrid System project (i) to reduce the variability of output power from Hybrid System plant; (ii) providing higher energy output for a given capacity (bid/ sanctioned capacity) at delivery point, by installing additional capacity of wind and solar power in a Hybrid System plant; and (iii) ensuring availability of firm power for a particular period.

The Central Electricity Authority and Central Electricity Regulatory Commissions has been mandated to formulate necessary standards and regulations including metering methodology and standards, forecasting and scheduling regulations, REC mechanism, grant of connectivity and sharing of transmission lines, etc., for Hybrid System.