Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has clarified that if additional solar or wind capacity is added to an existing co-located wind-solar hybrid power project, transmission charges will not exceed the capacity contracted with the transmission licensee, provided the total installed capacity is within the contracted limits.

If the new solar or wind capacity exceeds the existing contracted transmission capacity, charges will be based on the higher of the two capacities, subject to evacuation approval for the additional capacity.

For new hybrid projects, charges will similarly be levied on the higher of the installed solar or wind capacity, with evacuation approvals.

Additional transmission access may be granted if capacity margins exist at the receiving transmission substation, subject to technical feasibility. The developer will bear the cost of any transmission augmentation required to connect to the substation.

Transmission charges will apply separately for the respective installed capacities in hybrid projects where wind and solar components are not co-located.

Power generation from hybrid power projects must not exceed the contracted capacity, and the State Load Dispatch Centre can curtail excess injections to ensure grid stability.

KERC was responding to stakeholders who sought clarification regarding the applicable transmission charges for wind-solar hybrid projects.

The Commission referred to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s notification on transmission charges applicable to wind-solar hybrid power projects under its National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy. The policy outlines incentives for hybridizing existing wind and solar power projects to encourage efficient utilization of infrastructure and grid resources.

The policy specifies that no additional connectivity or transmission capacity charges will be levied for hybridizing existing projects if the previously approved transmission access is used. However, the project developer will bear the costs if additional transmission capacity is required.

The policy defines a wind-solar hybrid project as one where the capacity of either resource is at least 25% of the rated capacity of the other. This criterion ensures that hybrid projects achieve a balanced contribution from both energy sources.

Subscribe to Mercom’s real-time Regulatory Updates to ensure you don’t miss any critical updates from the renewable industry.