MNRE Exempts SEZ and EOU Renewable Energy Plants from ALMM Requirements

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced an exemption through a notice, aiming to promote renewable energy adoption and facilitate the production of green hydrogen.

Renewable energy (RE) plants situated within Special Economic Zones (SEZs) or Export Oriented Units (EOUs), exclusively supplying power to production units engaged in green hydrogen or its derivatives, will be exempt from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) requirements for Solar PV Modules. For the other plants, the ALMM regulations mandate the compulsory registration of solar PV modules used in Indian projects.

The exemption, detailed in a recent notice issued by the MNRE, aligns with the government's broader agenda of fostering a conducive environment for renewable energy growth while promoting the use of green hydrogen as a clean fuel alternative. 

Under the exemption, RE plants fulfilling the specified criteria and commissioned by December 31, 2030, will be relieved from the obligations outlined in the Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2019. This includes all associated clarifications, amendments, and guidelines issued by the MNRE.

The exemption applies specifically to renewable energy plants that solely supply power to production units engaged in green hydrogen within SEZs or EOUs, regardless of whether these units are situated within the same zone or different ones. 

This regulatory relief reflects the recognition of green hydrogen as a crucial component in the transition towards a low-carbon economy, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

Notably, India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission projects a total investment of INR 8 lakh crore by 2030 aiming to develop green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT per annum with an associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW in the country by the same deadline.