UPDATE 2.5 GW hybrid wind-solar projects to be auctioned in India

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The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has published a Request for Selection (RfS) for 2.5 GW hybrid wind-solar projects. This follows the scheme's approval by the Indian President, which we reported at the end of May.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's (MNRE) National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy defines a hybrid project as one containing components that generate electricity from both wind and solar photovoltaic power, where the rated power capacity of one resource is at least 25% of the rated power capacity of other resource.

The main objectives of the development of such projects are to increase the optimisation and efficient utilization of transmission infrastructure and land, reduce the variability in renewable power generation and improve grid stability.

As disclosed when the President's approval was secured, projects are to be developed by private entities on build-own-operate (BOO) bases. Projects eligible for submission must have a total capacity between 200 and 500 MW, though this can be split across different sites. The minimum eligible capacity for a single site is 50 MW. The capacity of the solar and wind components is not limited as long as it fits with the Ministry's definition of a hybrid project. 

Successful bidders will be awarded 25-year power purchase agreements (PPAs). The power purchased may be sold on to electricity distribution companies (discoms) and bulk companies that require renewable power to fulfil renewable purchase obligations.

The deadline to submit bids is 8 August 2018. For more information, see the Business Opportunity.

The present wind power installed capacity in the country is nearly 32.5 GW, accounting for around 9% of total installed capacity. In February 2018, India surpassed 20 GW installed solar capacity. As well as the objectives above, this tender will support the government's goal of reaching 175 GW of renewable power capacity by 2022.