FDRE plants can ensure reliable power for all hours and seasons

India is planning to achieve its energy needs through a balanced mix of conventional and non-conventional resources, along with the addition of substantial storage solutions (PSPs & BESS) for grid balancing, promoting decentralised renewable systems, and putting a thrust on domestic manufacturing capabilities for the supply of power components. This is keeping in view the long-term commitment to reducing carbon emissions and achieving sustainability. Raj Kumar Chaudhary shares more insights into the power generation sector addressing energy security in India.

How can India balance grid stability with increasing renewable energy capacity? 

As of September 30, 2024, India’s installed generation capacity is 452 GW, with 243 GW (54per cent) from fossil fuels, 201 GW (44per cent) from non-fossil sources and 8 GW (2per cent) from Nuclear Energy. Solar and wind energy together contribute 138 GW while hydropower adds 47 GW. The National Electricity Plan projects 900 GW capacity by 2031-32, with 66per cent expected from renewables. However, the significant addition of renewables, particularly solar and wind, poses challenges related to grid stability due to their inherent intermittency and variability.

To address these challenges, substantial storage solutions such as large storage / pondage-based hydro plants, Pumped Storage Hydro plants (PSPs) and Battery Energy Storage systems (BESS) need to be developed. These are crucial for achieving a balanced energy mix and meeting India’s target of 500 GW from non-fossil fuels by 2030, as well as its goal of net-zero emissions by 2070.

What innovative strategies can enhance the sustainability of power generation in India?

The Union government aims to transform India into a developed nation, “Viksit Bharat,” by 2047, with a commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. Supported by robust policies promoting renewable energy, energy storage systems (ESS), and green hydrogen, India is on track to meet its ambitious carbon neutrality targets. Achieving energy independence and sustainability requires a 24/7 power supply from renewable sources, necessitating effective energy storage solutions due to the variable nature of solar and wind energy.

Optimising existing transmission infrastructure and deploying Energy Storage System (ESS) are crucial for the successful integration of renewable energy (RE). Power system flexibility allows continuous service despite rapid supply or demand changes. Achieving grid flexibility involves strategies on both the generation and demand sides. On the generation side, options include reducing minimum generation levels, strategically cycling thermal generators, retrofitting plants with carbon capture technology, optimising hydro generation, and enhancing variable renewable energy (VRE) forecasting. On the demand side, advanced technologies like IoT, AI, and blockchain can optimise energy distribution and consumption, shifting agricultural demand to solar hours, introducing time-of-day tariffs, and implementing demand-response programmes.

How can India overcome challenges in scaling green hydrogen production and efficiently integrating renewable energy? 

India is poised to emerge as a global leader in green hydrogen, bolstered by strong policy support from the Central government. The diverse applications of hydrogen across multiple sectors—including power generation, industrial processes like steelmaking and cement production, fuel cells for electric vehicles and heavy transport such as shipping—position it as a crucial component in achieving an energy transition. The decline in renewable energy costs, along with falling prices of electrolysers and enhanced efficiency from technological advancements, is expected to improve the commercial viability of green hydrogen production. 

How do FDRE/hybrid RE projects ensure round-the-clock power supply while optimising transmission infrastructure and grid resilience? 

Integrating solar, wind and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) into Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) scheme offers a viable solution for supplying power during specific hours and seasons. This approach optimises transmission infrastructure while ensuring a round-the-clock (RTC) renewable energy supply. However, achieving RTC power necessitates additional capacities. Incorporating storage options such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), pumped hydro, or green hydrogen storage can enhance the reliability and flexibility of renewable energy sources. Government agencies actively promote The FDRE concept through various tenders, encouraging the development of hybrid projects that combine renewables and storage to improve Capacity Utilisation Factors (CUF) and overall project efficiency. 

Blending hydro and solar power generation—where hydro is most productive when solar generation is low—creates opportunities for blending these resources. This synergy can mitigate the intermittency of solar power, ensuring a reliable RTC power supply.

How can collaboration in R&D accelerate this RE integration? 

Continuous research and development (R&D) are essential for technological advancements that enhance project efficiency and optimise time and costs. Fostering domestic manufacturing opens avenues for technology transfer and innovation, allowing India to bolster its global renewable energy market competitiveness. Collaboration between research institutions, government bodies, and industry players is vital for driving the development of advanced renewable energy technologies. 

How can co-locate wind-solar hybrid projects and government-backed land pools help overcome key challenges in RE expansion? 

The transmission capacity connected to solar projects is often underutilised, particularly during non-peak hours. Developing co-located wind-solar hybrid projects can enhance the effective utilisation of transmission systems, addressing the challenges of sub-optimal capacity usage. Expanding transmission infrastructure for integrating more variable renewable energy sources faces significant hurdles, including the need for substantial financial resources, coordination with various stakeholders, and delays in obtaining land for new transmission lines. Addressing these bottlenecks is essential to prevent delays in renewable energy projects. 

Land availability remains a persistent challenge for the renewable energy sector. The government should consider creating land pools in collaboration with state governments to expedite the acquisition process for solar power projects. 

How can government policies and incentives be designed to shape the power generation sector? 

Government policies and incentives are vital for shaping the power generation sector. Key measures like Renewable Energy (RE) targets, Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) / Energy Storage Obligation (ESO) mandates for DISCOMs, capital subsidies, guidelines for storage solutions, waivers on interstate transmission charges etc. have been implemented to boost RE capacity. Additionally, extending incentives to Floating Solar Power Projects can enhance the utilisation of water bodies and minimise land use. The government should also prioritise the timely development of transmission systems to match RE capacity targets. Furthermore, promoting workforce development, researching emerging technologies, and establishing a robust monitoring framework for project execution are essential for successful policy compliance.