MNRE Extends ALMM Compliance Deadline for Wind Turbine Special Bearings

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has granted additional time for compliance with its amended procedure for inclusion and updating of Wind Turbine Models in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), citing supply chain constraints affecting the availability of special bearings used in wind turbines.

In an Office Memorandum, Ministry modified certain provisions of its earlier order issued on 31 July 2025, which had revised the procedure for ALMM inclusion. The latest amendment specifically relates to main bearings, yaw bearings and pitch bearings, critical components in wind turbine systems. The Ministry said  that the relaxation has been provided after considering ongoing challenges in the global supply chain for these components.

For projects where bids were closed before the issuance of the 31 July 2025 order, the Ministry clarified that such projects will remain eligible for exemption, provided they are commissioned within three years from 31 July 2025. In these projects, main bearings will be exempted from compliance under Para 4(h) of the procedure. This exemption will apply not only to already-bid projects but also to projects that will be bid up to 31 July 2027. The Ministry added that compliance for main bearings will be made mandatory after a review of the supply chain situation at the end of this two-year period.

The Ministry has also provided additional relief for wind power projects being set up under captive, open access, or third-party sale models, provided they are commissioned within 18 months from 31 July 2025. For such projects, exemption from compliance requirements has been extended for main bearings up to 31 January 2029, subject to review. For yaw and pitch bearings, the exemption will remain valid up to 31 January 2028.

MNRE stated that all other provisions of the Office Memorandum dated 31 July 2025 will continue to remain unchanged. The order was issued with the approval of the competent authority and was signed by Rishikesh Vaishnav, Scientist ‘C’, MNRE. The decision is expected to provide relief to wind project developers and manufacturers facing component supply delays, while allowing the government time to reassess domestic manufacturing readiness for critical turbine parts.