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Impact of renewable electricity on utility finances: Assessing merit order effect for an Indian utility

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  • Jain, Sourabh
  • Shrimali, Gireesh

Abstract

Declining levelized costs of renewable energy have become a driving force in supporting renewable energy in India; the levelized cost of wind and solar has plummeted to between 3.3¢/kWh and 4¢/kWh. However, limited research exists on the impacts of renewables on the finances of Indian distribution utilities. The present study examines the financial impact of incremental penetration of the hydro, solar, and wind alternative in the generation mix of the distribution company of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Using real-time 15-min interval data and a merit-order-dispatch model, the study quantifies the merit-order-effect and assess the potential savings from renewables. The results indicate that depending upon the penetration level under demand growth cases, renewable integration could lower the power purchase cost of Indian utilities by up to 11%. Wind produces most savings between 0.11¢/kWh and 2.71¢/kWh followed by solar −0.17¢/kWh and 2.56¢/kWh and hydro −0.32¢/kWh and 2.05¢/kWh. The savings will increase with rising electricity demand and plummeting costs of renewables. Integrating moderate levels of renewables no longer presents economic-environment trade-offs and can simultaneously meet multiple policy goals of energy affordability and environmental sustainability.

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  • Jain, Sourabh & Shrimali, Gireesh, 2022. "Impact of renewable electricity on utility finances: Assessing merit order effect for an Indian utility," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:168:y:2022:i:c:s0301421522003172
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113092
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