New Wind-Solar Hybrid Power Policy launched in Gujarat; aims to make optimum utilisation of land and grid

Gandhinagar, June 21: With an aim to make optimum utilization of the land and grid, the Gujarat government on Wednesday launched wind-solar hybrid power policy – 2018.

 

Notably, the launch of wind-solar hybrid power policy – 2018 also aims at boosting renewable energy. Launching the new scheme, Gujarat Energy Minister Saurabhbhai Patel said, “The benefits of the new policy can be accrued for 25 years or till its life or whichever is shorter. It entails the developers can set up wind power unit on the land meant for existing solar power unit, or vice versa.”

He further stated that the objective of the new policy is an optimum utilization of land and grid land for clean energy - a new initiative worth emulating by other states. “The electricity produced from such hybrid wind and solar units will be exempted from electricity duty, allowing land use for dual purposes,” the Energy Minister noted.

The Minister, on the occasion also announced 50 percent concession in cross-subsidy surcharge and additional surcharge while selling electricity to any third party. "The policy will remain in force for five years. However, projects approved under it will be eligible to receive the benefits for 25 years or till the project lasts, whichever is earlier," Patel concluded.

At present, Gujarat produces approximately 5,500 MW of wind power and 1,600 MW solar power, totaling 7,100 MW of non-traditional energy.