MNRE Constitutes Expert Committee to Review Solar Project Extension Requests and ALMM Exemptions

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has constituted an expert committee to examine requests from renewable energy developers seeking additional time to commission net-metering and open-access projects beyond May 31, 2026, with exemption from the applicability of ALMM List-II for solar PV cells.

The decision is linked to MNRE’s order dated May 25, 2026, which laid down eligibility criteria for solar projects that had either completed module installation but were yet to be commissioned, or had undertaken substantial steps towards project implementation before the deadline.

Under the framework, renewable energy developers can apply for project-specific time extensions through a dedicated online portal developed by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE). Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2026, and no physical submissions will be accepted.

The newly constituted four-member committee will assess project claims and recommend whether individual projects should receive additional commissioning time along with exemption from ALMM List-II requirements for solar PV cells. The committee is chaired by Sivakumar V. Vepakomma, Director (Power System) at Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. (SECI), with representatives from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), NISE and SECI serving as members.

MNRE said that the committee will evaluate submissions received through the portal, verify project progress and undertake field inspections whenever necessary before making recommendations to the ministry. Final decisions on cases handled by the central committee will be taken by MNRE with the approval of the Secretary, MNRE.

In a significant decentralisation measure, the ministry has delegated authority for projects with a solar component of up to 10 MW (AC) to State and Union Territory governments. Senior-most Secretaries in the relevant Power, Energy or Renewable Energy Departments will act as the competent authority for such cases. States and UTs have been directed to establish four-member expert committees within five working days to evaluate applications falling under their jurisdiction.

The ministry has also instructed states to nominate a senior officer for portal access and coordination with NISE. These state-level committees will review applications and submit recommendations to their respective departments for final approval.

Projects granted extensions will receive a unique ALMM List-II Exemption Certificate through the online portal, specifying the issuing authority and the validity period of the exemption. Applications that are rejected will receive a digitally generated response outlining the reasons for rejection.

The move is aimed at providing relief to solar projects that faced commissioning delays while ensuring a structured and transparent review process for exemptions from domestic solar cell sourcing requirements under the ALMM framework.