Hybrid wind–solar energy and resource simultaneity: An Indian case study for site selection and feasibility check

Abstract

The integration of wind–solar energy into hybrid system improves synchronization and lowers power generation variations. It is crucial to consider resource simultaneity when selecting a hybridization location. The current study uses data from 41 years of hourly ERA5 reanalysis to analyze the coexistence of wind and solar energy sources (1979–2019). To take into account the combined impact of simultaneity and capacity factor (CF), as well as to show the viability of establishing a new hybrid power plant for base-load and peak-load applications, a novel hybrid power exploitability index (HPEI) is developed. Additionally, by analyzing the yearly power output gain that may be attained through hybridization, the viability of retrofitting existing freestanding power plants has been examined. According to the findings, resource complementarity abounds in India’s southern region and along its western coast, whereas resource synergy prevails in the northern region. Furthermore, the largest peak CF for wind and sun, respectively, are predicted to be in the southern coastline (51.56%) and northern Himalayan areas (28.48%). In seven of the eight research locations, it has been shown that it is possible to hybridize independent power plants that already exist, with the addition of equal capacity potentially increasing yearly power output by up to 400%. In order to achieve net-zero emissions, hybridizing RE can meet the need for clean energy. Project developers will use the findings of this research to determine where to construct new power plants and where to hybridize existing ones.