Optimal grid utilization imperative whilst integrating renewable energy

The Solar Energy Corporation of India should amend the 400 MW round-the-clock supply tender to make co-location of solar, wind and storage mandatory in order to ensure optimal utilization of transmission infrastructure, says NSEFI chairman.

February 24, 2020 Uma Gupta

To be set up on ‘build-own-operate’ basis, the 400 MW ISTS projects can be augmented with appropriate energy storage systems for round-the-clock power supply.

Image: Governo de Pernambuco

The recent SECI tender for 400 MW round-the-clock (RTC) power supply to State Discoms provides that renewable energy generation components wind and solar, along with energy storage system installed, if any, may either be co-located or located at different locations.

National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) chairman Pranav R. Mehta feels such dispensation would result in inefficient and sub-optimal utilization of transmission infrastructure.

“Multiple injection would need transmission infrastructure at all these locations. It means that the same end product, i.e., round-the-clock power, requires duplication of transmission infrastructure with sub-optimal and inefficient utilization,” explained Mehta.

NSEFI is of the view that such dispensation is against the aims and objective of the “National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy,” which provides a framework for promotion of large grid-connected wind-solar PV hybrid system for optimal and efficient utilization of transmission infrastructure.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi had set a target of raising India’s renewable power generation to 175 GW by 2022. As a result, share of renewable energy generation has increased by more than 50% in terms of both installed capacity as well as energy generation, in the last 5-years. In order to take a large share of renewables into the grid effectively, the country needs a robust transmission infrastructure,” said Mehta.

“It is of national importance and imperative that whilst integrating renewable energy, the country’s investment in the national grid is optimally utilized,” he added.

NSEFI has written to the SECI to amend the bid documents accordingly to allow injection of wind, solar and storage power at a single location.

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