All You Need to Know About Wind Solar Hybrid Systems and How They Can Boost Energy Transition for Your Business

December 2023

What are Wind Solar Hybrid Systems?

The combination of two renewable energy sources viz. wind turbines and solar panels to generate power is referred to as a Wind Solar Hybrid system. These systems help in maximising electricity generated from renewables – as solar panels are more efficient during the daytime, and wind energy can be harnessed post sunset when the speeds are higher.

Why are WSH Systems a good choice for companies looking to maximise Renewable Energy consumption as well as Project Developers?

It is evident that harnessing renewable energy from two sources means more units of clean energy can be delivered to a single corporate client. Apart from this there are several other benefits that include:

• Cost-competitive Solutions: In Hybrid systems, often solar panels and wind turbines share the same evacuation infrastructure – which in turn brings down the fixed costs and transmission charges.
• Continuous Generation: These systems generate electricity in a continuous pattern, with much less variability than standalone solar plants that generate power during the day or solo wind plants that generate mainly during evening and night hours. This also means the power generated is less susceptible to curtailment.
• Increased PLFs: Hybridization of renewables has delivered impressive results in States like Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka, where PLFs of up to 50% have been clocked; in comparison to 17-25% for Wind and Solar standalone projects. When combined with Battery Storage, these systems can potentially deliver PLFs of up to 80%.
• Lower Project Costs: Sharing of pooling infrastructure & EHV lines optimises the economics of the projects when compared to standalones. Better and more efficient use of land and transmission infra is the reason why WSH systems are gaining popularity with Discoms, corporate clients and developers as well.
• Financial Waivers and Incentives for developers of Wind Solar Hybrid projects are being extended by the government.

India’s Wind Solar Hybrid Potential:

India has set itself an ambitious target of Net Zero emissions by 2070 and is taking significant strides towards energy transition to meet this goal. Geographically, India is blessed with a long coastline and equatorial temperature which yields itself to high solar and wind energy generation potential.

States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Karnataka are emerging as favourite destinations for setting up of WSH systems.

Today, the country has a cumulative installed renewables capacity of ~88 GW, out of which less than 500 MW is of WSH Systems. Industry reports peg the WSH capacity to be over 9,500 MW by 2025 owing to increased interest amongst RE developers post the government’s policy measures to boost the same.

Fourth Partner Energy’s WSH Footprint:

FPEL commissioned its first Wind Solar Hybrid project in Gondal, Gujarat last year. Executed in under 10 months, this 70 MW plant will generate nearly 163 mn units of clean energy annually, while cutting carbon emissions by over 1.5 Lk tons. This project comprises of 14 Wind turbines supplied and erected by GE.

FPEL is proud to supply clean energy to companies like Filatex, Linde, Nexus Malls (a Blackstone Group Co.), Deccan Chemicals and other marquee clients through this project. The company is looking to develop similar hybrid parks across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra in the next phase.