Round-the-clock power supply: Discoms can now bundle thermal, solar power for 24X7 distribution

New Delhi: Solar and thermal power can be bundled by bidders to provide 24×7 electricity to distribution companies, according to new official guidelines issued to scale up renewable energy without hurting the grid with intermittent supply.

Power generators have to ensure at least 85% availability both annually and during peak hours, said the guidelines issued by the ministry of power for procurement of round-the-clock power from grid-connected projects. Bidders will have to supply at least 51% of the power from renewable sources, which may include supply using storage.