Capacity value of solar and wind energy: select Indian states
Student name: Ms Suchitra Subramaniyan
Guide: Dr Atul Kumar
Year of completion: 2017
Host Organisation: Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Mr Deepak Gupta
Abstract: This thesis deals with calculation of capacity value of solar and wind energy in two Indian states:
Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Capacity value refers to the contribution of a power plant to reliably
meet peak power demand (NREL document 57582, 2013).
This implies that if a 150 MW solar plant has a capacity value of 50%, it can contribute 75MW of
power to reliably meet demand, and thus reduce the strain on conventional power generation plants.
The capacity value calculations involve the comparison of hourly capacity factor of the grid
connected Renewable energy plants in the state with the state’s hourly load met, and hence provide
an understanding the contribution of renewable energy towards meeting system reliability.
In this paper, the capacity value has been calculated for different districts in Maharashtra and
Rajasthan with respect to the hourly demand data of Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The results of all
districts have been combined and again showcased at the state level.
Capacity value calculations have been done for solar system at district level, wind system at district
level, as well as a combined solar and wind system at the state levels. While several studies have
examined capacity value of solar or the capacity value of wind, this report attempts to find the same
for a hybrid system of solar and wind energy.
Profiles of wind energy generated, solar energy generated and combined solar and wind energy
generation have each been plotted against the electricity demand met in Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
A hybrid solar and wind system has been suggested at the districts with high solar as well as wind
resource profiles.
The results obtained throw light on the implications of capacity value on power system planning.
The capacity value percentage of Renewable energy plants talks about the reduction in need for
thermal power towards meeting the peak demand of a state and/or the entire country.
KEYWORDS: Capacity Value, hourly capacity factor, solar and wind energy, system reliability
