To promote hybrid renewable energy technologies, Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. (SECI) has brought out tenders, for Solar-Wind Hybrid Projects, with assured supply during peak hours and Round the Clock (RTC) renewable power.
As of 25 November, SECI has issued tenders for 10,100 MW of hybrid/ RTC/ peak power capacity, out of which 5,350 MW has already been awarded.
In addition, a bid for a 500 MW capacity wind-solar hybrid project has been issued by Maharashtra DISCOM.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (RE) issued the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy in May 2018. The main objective of the policy is to provide a framework for the promotion of large grid-connected wind-solar PV hybrid systems for optimal and efficient utilization of wind and solar resources, transmission infrastructure and land.
Also, a scheme for setting up 2,500 MW Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) connected wind-solar hybrid projects were sanctioned in May 2018. The Ministry issued bidding guidelines for wind-solar hybrid projects in October 2020.
The Indian Government has taken several steps to promote renewable energy, including wind-solar hybrid renewable energy. These include permitting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 100 per cent under the automatic route, waiver of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for inter-state sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by June 2025.
Other measures include the declaration of trajectory for Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) up to 2022, setting up Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks to provide land and transmission to RE developers on a plug and play basis.