The
aggressive push by the Central Government to shift towards renewable sources of
power generation will not yield desired results if flexibility in projects and
cost effective storage is not available to all states. When it comes to solar radiance,
geographically all states are not alike.
States with higher potential require attention from all aspects in
comparison with other states. States
like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan offer immense solar potential. Solar power
plants in Rajasthan, for example, have already earned a place on the solar
map of the world. The state has set an
excellent example for others to imitate.
The
enthusiasm that this sector has generated is remarkable. The recent developments as the pricing of
solar-based power have approached grid parity, and the international solar
alliances have spread a lot of positivity in the environment.
The efforts of the solar power plants in Rajasthan are an encouraging development for
all, after all, energy generated without environmental emissions is much
needed. Fulfilling the nation’s energy
needs in an environment-friendly way is a welcome sign.
The
brisk penetration of solar energy into the grid calls for significant planning
and up gradation in the grid and distribution network infrastructure. Solar power
plants in Rajasthan at one side are contributing towards the commitment of
“24 hours supply of adequate and uninterrupted power” but alongside are
exposing the infrastructural bottlenecks as well.
The
problem stems from the fact that since this form of electricity generation is
sun based therefore the production is variable in nature. During evening or nighttime, cloudy, or foggy
days, there is an interruption in the power generation. This rapid fluctuation is something, which
requires handling from the utilities. They need to perform a balancing act all
the time between the demand and supply side at the grid level. The challenge increases further in proportion
in light of more and more of solar plants coming up.
This
problem of balancing the demand and supply at the grid level is not only due to
the solar power plants in Rajasthan,
but the issue also existed before this renewed focus on renewable sources of
power generation. Earlier when the demand for electricity peaked especially
during the summer season, balancing requirements emerged from market
variation. Load balancing is done by
relying on other or conventional sources of power when the demand exceeds the
supply.
The
emerging scenario can be better managed by investing simultaneously in cost
effective storage solutions of mega-scale where the excess power can be stored
during low demands or excess energy production.
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