Advances and development of wind–solar hybrid renewable energy technologies for energy transition and sustainable future in India

Abstract

While solar power projects are built on a continuous ground, wind power projects require scattered land, raising transmission costs and increasing the risk of land-related complications. Wind–solar hybrid (WSH) projects have been proposed to address these issues and accelerate installation. WSH power projects will create a well-defined area with sufficient infrastructure, including evacuation facilities, where the project’s risks can be reduced. The extensive coastline of India is endowed with high wind flow speed and plentiful solar power resources, creating an ideal environment for WSH projects to prosper while simultaneously improving grid stability and reliability. WSH plants guarantee higher transmission efficiency and cost-effectiveness than their stand-alone counterparts. As of 30.11.2021, 3.75 GW of WSH projects have been granted, with 0.148 GW of operational capacity and 1.7 GW of WSH projects in various bidding phases. In this paper, we discussed state-wise WSH potential, the key players in the WSH project, the National WSH, and the State WSH policy and amendments. Also, the WSH project’s physical progress and commercial details are covered. A feasibility study of the WSH plant is performed, and the primary design strategy for deploying WSH power facilities in India is discussed. It covers every step of this process, from design technique to choosing and evaluating potential locations for such hybrid projects, optimally placing wind turbines and solar panels, overall capacity mix for hybrid plants, and ultimately power evacuation optimization. Additionally, a brief study of the savings from these hybrid plants and the environmental, social, and governance standards which are necessary to implement these projects are provided. The potential challenges connected with WSH technologies are examined in depth, and potential solutions and mitigations for the challenges are provided. Designing a WSH for small-scale irrigation is provided along with the size and choice of wind and solar systems. Degradation of PV systems and carbon savings are included, along with some policy measures to boost the proportion of WSH in the entire power mix. In India, the development of large-scale WSH projects is still in its early stages, and more research is required to explore technical, commercial, and policy elements that influence project design. The policy suggestions for improvement of the WSH project are provided. The WSH project developers, potential investors, stakeholders, innovators, policymakers, manufacturers, designers, and researchers will benefit from the recommendations based on the review’s findings.