Sankalp Sharma, Head (BD-Wind)

Gensol Engineering Limited

RE platform, Hybridisation of resources-a step ahead for a future needs

It has been that world have transformed from one source to another starting from dung to wood,
thereafter coal and then dependence on gas and oil resources. There have been seen a step by
step shifting from one fuel to another. However, there is a major concern of sustainability and
to nurture our upcoming generations, it’s the time to rethink that whether we should fully
change our dependence from conventional source to non-conventional sources for energy.

The non-conventional source cannot be exhausted and these are the renewable sources only
which can accelerate the pace of change. A smarter and much more flexible grid and trans-shift
from conventional to non-conventional can bring a huge impact.

The article outlines the key role of those three elements which can be combined together to
strategize a new energy system transformation.

We have seen a dramatic cost reduction in Wind and solar leading to cheaper power than fossil
fuel power and a better prospect of replacing the fossil fuel technology with economic power.

The global share of energy consumption shall rise from 20% as on date to nearly 45% by 2050.
Meanwhile, the renewable share in power generation shall climb from 26% today to 85% in
2050, with almost 60% coming from variable sources such as solar and wind.

Considering the total installed capacity of India since 2009 till 20181, it is found that there have
been an incremental increase of 12% for wind power projects and 47% for solar Power projects.

India-Wind (MW)
2018 35288

2017 32848

2016 28700

2015 25088

2014 22465

2013 18420

2012 17300

2011 16179

2010 13184

2009 10925

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RE-WIND%20WHITE%20PAPAER/IRENA_RE-Electrification_SGCC_2019
Sankalp Sharma, Head (BD-Wind)
Gensol Engineering Limited

India-Solar (MW)
2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

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The third prominent factor which can clubbed is a battery energy storage system, where the
excessive power generated through wind and solar can be stored. The systems are to be
developed efficiently and thus support in energy transformation.

The challenges of hybrid systems , synchronising the powers from both plants have been a
challenge till date. However the battery storage systems can complement them by regulating
the power factors and thus leading to better quality of power been injected into the grid.
Maximisation and use of EV shall reduce the dependency on conventional sources and shall
help to reduce the harmonics generated by hybrid plants. The road vehicles are parked from
10 AM to 5 PM in various parking, so charging schedules need to be optimised to
accommodate the variations in power generation by adjusting the rates up or down to match
the changes in wind and solar power generation.

The advantages of widespread RE are clear and compelling but there is long path for
implementation. The digitalisation of grid technologies and solutions can further boost up the
RE path , managing the load patterns and optimised utilisation of RE power generated.

The futuristic combination of 3 elements which is not yet adopted at a large scale can bring a
huge change in the future reducing dependence on depleting fuels, switching to lower cost of
energy and permitting substantial reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. New transmission
infrastructure can be laid to supply the green power depending on the location of renewable
sources and the energy storage shall top up the areas where the transmission network is
congested.

The hybridisation of RE plants with a sound policy framework under one single window can
scale up the RE platform in a long run.