The government has sought for public comments for draft National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy which aims at providing a framework to promote large grid connected wind-solar PV system for optimal and efficient utilisation of transmission infrastructure among others. The goal of the policy is to reach wind-solar hybrid capacity of 10 GW by 2022, it said, adding that the “policy aims to encourage new technologies, methods and way-outs involving combined operation of wind and solar PV plants.

The main objective of the policy is to provide a framework for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar PV system for optimal and efficient utilisation of transmission infrastructure and land, reducing the variability in renewable power generation, thus, achieving better grid stability. Solar and wind power being infirm in nature impose certain challenges on grid security and stability.

Studies have revealed that solar and winds are almost complementary to each other and hybdridation of two technologies would help in minimising the variability apart from optimally utilising the infrastructure, including land and transmission system.

India has set an ambitious target of reaching 175 GW of installed capacity from renewable energy sources including 100 GW from solar and 60 GW from wind by 2022. Various policy initiatives have been taken to achieve this target. The country has already crossed a mark 26.8 GW of wind and 7.6 GW of solar power installed capacity during May 2016.