MNRE Withdraws March 2024 ALMM Clarification, Retains Case by Case Relief

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has withdrawn its Office Memorandum dated March 29, 2024, which had clarified the implementation of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and provided relief to certain delayed renewable energy projects.

In an Office Memorandum the ministry said that the March 29, 2024 clarification stands rescinded with immediate effect, as more than two years have passed since its issuance.

Under the existing ALMM framework, only solar PV modules listed in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List I are eligible for use in government projects, government assisted projects, projects under government schemes and programmes, open access and net metering projects, and projects supplying electricity to the government under guidelines issued under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003. The provision applies to projects undertaken by the Central Government, state governments, central and state public sector enterprises, and autonomous bodies.

The ministry recalled that the ALMM requirement had been kept in abeyance for the financial year 2023-24 through an Office Memorandum issued on March 10, 2023. That order exempted projects commissioned by March 31, 2024, from the requirement to procure solar PV modules listed under ALMM.

Subsequently, the March 29, 2024 Office Memorandum clarified that the ALMM requirement would become effective from April 1, 2024. It also stated that projects where solar PV modules had been received at the project site by March 31, 2024, but could not be commissioned due to reasons beyond the control of the renewable power developer, would be examined separately.

With the latest order, MNRE has withdrawn that clarification. However, the ministry has retained a limited relief mechanism for projects that remain uncommissioned.

The Office Memorandum states that renewable power developers with eligible uncommissioned projects may continue to submit requests seeking exemption under the provisions of the March 29, 2024 memorandum. Such requests, if received within a reasonable period, will be examined by MNRE on a case by case basis.

The ministry clarified that this provision is intended solely for the 'removal of difficulties' and should not be construed as a general exemption from ALMM requirements.