MNRE Issues SOP for Listing Wind Turbines and Components Under ALMM

In a move to strengthen quality assurance and cybersecurity in India’s wind energy sector, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) detailing the process for listing wind turbines and their major components under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework.

The SOP introduces two distinct registries, ALMM-Wind, for type- and quality-certified wind turbine models eligible for installation in India, and ALMM-WTC, which lists approved manufacturers and models of critical components such as blades, towers, generators, gearboxes, and special bearings. The initiative aims to ensure that both wind turbines and their supply chains meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and cybersecurity.

Under the new framework, manufacturers seeking to list their wind turbine models on the ALMM-Wind must submit a complete application to MNRE, accompanied by a valid Type Certificate issued by an accredited body, ISO certifications, and other technical documents. The ALMM-Wind Committee will scrutinize applications for completeness and compliance, and where necessary, conduct physical inspections of manufacturing facilities before recommending listing approval.

For components, the listing process under ALMM-WTC begins once a component has been approved as part of a certified wind turbine’s design. Component manufacturers are required to submit detailed documentation, after which the ALMM-WTC Committee conducts an assessment and mandates an on-site factory inspection to verify infrastructure, quality control systems, and testing capabilities. The inspection fee has been set at INR 1.5 lakh plus taxes per component type. Successful applicants are then recommended for listing in ALMM-WTC.

The SOP also lays down clear definitions to distinguish between new turbine models and variants, preventing unnecessary proliferation of listed models. A new model must involve significant design changes—such as different generator technology, drive train configuration, or rotor diameter and rated power deviations—while minor variations like hub height or wind class adjustments are treated as variants.

In a bid to support innovation, newly listed turbine models will receive a temporary exemption from sourcing components exclusively from the ALMM-WTC list for up to 800 MW of capacity within two years of their enlistment.

A crucial aspect of the SOP is its emphasis on cybersecurity. It mandates that all wind turbines deployed in India must have a data control and research centre located within the country, ensuring that real-time operational data and control remain under domestic oversight.

The document also includes extensive annexures providing detailed checklists for applicants, standardized inspection formats for major components, and templates for affidavits, indemnity bonds, and final document submissions.

Overall, MNRE’s new SOP establishes a robust, two-tier certification system linking approved wind turbine models with vetted component suppliers. The move is expected to enhance the credibility, safety, and resilience of India’s wind energy ecosystem while supporting the nation’s broader renewable energy goals.