National wind-solar hybrid policy
In yet another effort to boost clean energy generation, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) unveiled a National Wind-solar Hybrid Policy that which seeks to promote new projects as well as hybridisation of the existing ones. The MNRE is also in the process of launching a scheme for new hybrid projects under this policy, which are 10 to 15 per cent cheaper than 100 per cent solar or wind projects, an official told . The official said that under the scheme, the government would bid out wind-solar hybrid projects on tariff based competitive bidding and these projects can be set up anywhere across the country depending on feasibility and land availability with bidders. The official said the efficiency of such projects ranges from 40-45 per cent as the two clean sources compliment each other while 100 per cent solar or wind projects have efficiency of 20 to 30 per cent. Elaborating further on lower cost of hybrid project, the official said that common land, transmission system to evacuate power and equipment reduce costs by as much as 15 per cent.