Policy recommendations

Simple solutions are enough to unlock the potential

With straightforward steps to address the challenges faced by hybrid plants, at least 8 GW of potential could be realised in a short time.

Hybrid power plants have the potential to bypassTürkiye’s grid connection constraints and increase the installed solar capacity. Since they use the same transmission lines as the primary source they are integrated with, they do not require additional grid investments.

Because of this characteristic, the investment requirements for hybrid plants differ from those for new power plant projects. Therefore, hybrid plants should be considered through a separate process and evaluated without waiting for the announcement of new capacity allocations.

The amount of capacity allocated to hybrid projects is determined based on the installed capacity of the primary source they are connected to. Under the current system, plants with an installed capacity of less than 50 MW can receive hybrid capacity up to their installed capacity. Plants with an installed capacity above 50 MW can receive an additional capacity equal to 50 MW plus half the difference between their installed capacity and 50 MW. Hybrid capacity is capped at 100 MW, regardless of a power plant’s installed capacity. These rules came into effect in April 2021, and as of October 2022, the 100 MW cap rule was ceased for wind power plants.

A new regulation that removes the capacity cap rule and allows investors to decide how much additional hybrid capacity to install would make it easier to realise Türkiye’s hybrid potential. To prevent grid overload, excess generation could be curtailed or penalised as necessary.

One of the biggest obstacles facing hybrid projects is the requirement for these projects to be physically integrated within the primary source’s power plant site. In practice, when existing licensed power plants try to identify new areas adjacent to their primary plant site for hybrid projects, these areas often fall into restricted zones, such as agricultural or forest lands. This issue is particularly critical for hydroelectric power plants, as it is often not possible to obtain the necessary permits from the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ), making it difficult to implement financially viable projects.

Removing the requirement for hybrid projects to be adjacent to the primary source’s plant site—while ensuring they connect to the same transformer station and do not require new grid infrastructure investments—could significantly accelerate the hybridisation process.

The inclusion of hybrid power plants in Türkiye’s recently announced 2053 targets is a positive development. However, as with other energy sources, it is essential to set clear numerical targets for hybrid projects and share them with the public. This would ensure that hybrid power receives the necessary attention and that concrete steps are taken to achieve the targets.

Currently, installed capacity data does not include figures for hybrid plants. Likewise, it is not yet possible to track development trends through historical data sets, as is the case for other energy sources. Therefore, it is crucial to make data on hybrid plants more visible and accessible.