In a conversation with Mahesh Palashikar, President, GE South Asia
Is a hybrid power strategy a need of the hour today? What are some key imperatives for India to make the shift to Net Zero?
The hybrid system – combining solar, wind, hydro supported by Gas – can generate round-the-clock power reliable power levels that are comparable to coal-fired plants[1]. This option is especially promising for a tropical country like India which experiences a good mix of bright sun and wind along its coasts. Hybrid plants reduce costs by having common equipment, electronics, and storage. They also reduce dependence on batteries, because the plant can work round-the-clock with only sporadic recourse to storage. The hybrid power strategy and adopting multi-tech hybrid plants as the way ahead can play a driving role in India attaining net-zero emissions. Simultaneously, the country must look at developing more renewable sources like wind, in addition to solar, for balanced decarbonization. Also, choosing gas as an intermediate option and faster adoption of nuclear power will be critical to making the net-zero shift.
