MNRE Expands Scope of ALMM; Includes Open Access and Net-Metering Projects

In a significant development, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has expanded the scope of its ‘Approved List of Models and Manufacturers’ (ALMM) for renewable energy (RE) projects with effect from April 01, 2022.

By expanding the scope, the Ministry now also included open access and net-metering projects.

These include projects set up for the sale of electricity to the Government under the Guidelines issued by the Central Government under section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003 and projects under Component-A of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) program.

The MNRE’s amended provision states, “Accordingly, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has decided to enlist the eligible models and manufacturers of solar PV cells and modules complying with the BIS Standards and publish the same in a list called the “Approved List of Models and Manufacturers” (ALMM). Only the models and manufacturers included in this list will be eligible for use in Government Projects/ Government-assisted Projects/ Projects under Government Schemes & Programmes/ Open Access/ Net-Metering Projects, installed in the country, including Projects set up for sale of electricity to Government under the Guidelines issued by Central Government under section 63 of Electricity Act, 2003 and amendment thereof.”

It further said, “the word ‘Government’ would include Central Government, State Governments, Central Public Sector Enterprises, State Public Sector Enterprises and, Central and State Organisations/ Autonomous bodies.”

It also clarified that “Projects under Government Schemes & Programmes” referred above, includes projects set up under Component ‘A’ of PM-KUSUM Scheme.

Commenting on the revised directive, Bharat Bhut, Co-Founder and Director of Goldi Solar, said “the ALMM policy notification by MNRE is a significant announcement for the domestic solar manufacturing industry. The announcement has come at an appropriate time, just when BCD will be implemented. The combined effect of both these policies will be massive, and I am sure India will grow to become a solar manufacturing hub in the coming years.”