MNRE plans wind-solar hybrid auctions in India

Its recent wind tender saw mild interest due to difficulties in finding locations.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) of India has unveiled various measures related to renewable power project developments. The MNRE has identified areas suitable for hybrid wind-solar power projects and plans to conduct hybrid auctions instead of separate wind and solar auctions, to solve land and connectivity problems.

The most recent wind tender launched by the MNRE for 2,500 MW of wind capacity received mild interest, due to difficulties for developers to find suitable locations for wind projects. The Ministry might facilitate hybrid projects by declaring and defining the park and by providing subsidies for infrastructure.

In addition, the MNRE has extended the deadline for renewable projects under construction to be commissioned. The 5-month extension is expected to help developers following work disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdowns and to avoid the cancellation of projects. In May 2020, ACME Solar scrapped a cheap solar project over uncertainties after the pandemic crisis.

This article was originally published by Enerdata.