Solar-Wind Hybrid Power Policy Announced for Gujarat

The policy describes that any developer can set up a solar unit on the land meant for a wing power unit and vice versa. It allows the establishment of wind-solar units that are hybrid in nature.

In order to enhance the generation of renewable energy in the state, a new wind-solar hybrid power policy was announced by the government of Gujarat.

Saurabh Patel, Energy Minister and Pradeepsinh Jadeja, Minister of State for Energy spoke to media about the newly announced policies. They said the policy is meant to promote the production of wind and solar power simultaneously.

The policy describes that any developer can set up a solar unit on the land meant for a wing power unit and vice versa. It allows the establishment of wind-solar units that are hybrid in nature. The objective of the new policy is the optimum utilization of land and grid land for clean energy.

The land will be used for the dual purpose as the power produced from the hybrid solar and wind units will be exempted from the duties that are imposed on electricity.

The new policy has the provision for 50% exemption from electricity duty for selling electricity to a third party. For hybrid captive plants, the total exemption will be given from cross-subsidy surcharge and additional surcharge, and 50% relief in wheeling charges and distribution loss.

Those who already have third-party sale agreement with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd can continue with the arrangement in line with their capacity. New developers can decide the capacity of the wind-solar hybrid unit in accordance with the renewable power purchase agreement with the consumer.

Moreover, group captive companies can set up hybrid projects with 100% investment share in the same ratio for the consumption. Gujarat currently produces approximately 5,500MW of wind power and 1,600MW of solar power, totaling 7,100MW of green energy.

Source: TOI