ALMM Order Clarification Means No Impact on Approved Projects, Says MNRE

16 Oct 2024 CW Team

Originally introduced to regulate the quality of solar photovoltaic modules in large-scale solar projects, the ALMM Order requires manufacturers to be listed on an approved list maintained by MNRE. However, this order raised concerns among stakeholders in the renewable energy sector, especially regarding its applicability to projects that had already received approvals.

The memorandum specifically stated that the exemption applies to projects where the first application for critical permissions—such as in-principle approval, no objection certificate (NOC), government order, or any other relevant approvals—was made before the October 1, 2022 deadline. These approvals must have been sought from entities such as distribution licensees, state transmission utilities (STUs), state load dispatch centres (SLDCs), or other pertinent state and central agencies, in accordance with the respective state or Union Territory policies or electricity regulatory commission rules.

This clarification aimed to alleviate concerns from developers and stakeholders involved in open access and net-metering projects, as several projects initiated before the 2022 amendments were uncertain about the applicability of the updated ALMM regulations. With this clarification, MNRE confirmed that such projects would not be subject to the ALMM listing requirement, provided the necessary permissions were obtained before the specified cut-off date.

An energy expert remarked that this move by MNRE provided much-needed clarity and relief to on-going projects that were in an uncertain regulatory environment due to the changes introduced in 2022. The clarification also applied to projects with existing applications for open access or net-metering in line with the rules of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) or the respective State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs). This is expected to benefit a range of renewable energy developers, including those involved in large-scale solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) issued a clarification regarding the applicability of the Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (ALMM) Order, 2019, particularly concerning open access and net-metering renewable energy projects. According to an office memorandum dated October 14, 2024, the ALMM Order will not apply to renewable energy projects that had already obtained key approvals before the cut-off date of October 1, 2022. Originally introduced to regulate the quality of solar photovoltaic modules in large-scale solar projects, the ALMM Order requires manufacturers to be listed on an approved list maintained by MNRE. However, this order raised concerns among stakeholders in the renewable energy sector, especially regarding its applicability to projects that had already received approvals. The memorandum specifically stated that the exemption applies to projects where the first application for critical permissions—such as in-principle approval, no objection certificate (NOC), government order, or any other relevant approvals—was made before the October 1, 2022 deadline. These approvals must have been sought from entities such as distribution licensees, state transmission utilities (STUs), state load dispatch centres (SLDCs), or other pertinent state and central agencies, in accordance with the respective state or Union Territory policies or electricity regulatory commission rules. This clarification aimed to alleviate concerns from developers and stakeholders involved in open access and net-metering projects, as several projects initiated before the 2022 amendments were uncertain about the applicability of the updated ALMM regulations. With this clarification, MNRE confirmed that such projects would not be subject to the ALMM listing requirement, provided the necessary permissions were obtained before the specified cut-off date. An energy expert remarked that this move by MNRE provided much-needed clarity and relief to on-going projects that were in an uncertain regulatory environment due to the changes introduced in 2022. The clarification also applied to projects with existing applications for open access or net-metering in line with the rules of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) or the respective State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs). This is expected to benefit a range of renewable energy developers, including those involved in large-scale solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects.

Building Material

12 Sep 2025

Trishakti Industries Secures Major Tata Steel Order

Trishakti Industries Limited has secured a significant order from Tata Steel Ltd for the deployment of advanced machinery and skilled manpower at one of the steel major’s flagship project sites.The contract, awarded domestically, involves the hiring of machines along with manpower, with execution set to be completed by 20th September 2025. The initial contract period is 12 months. The total fresh capital expenditure for the project is approximately Rs 1.5 million, while the overall contract value is expected to exceed Rs 5 million inclusive of taxes.This order marks a reinforcement of top-ti..

Real Estate

12 Sep 2025

Kalpataru Projects Secures Rs 27.2 Billion in New Orders

Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL), a leading EPC player in the power transmission and distribution (T&D) and civil infrastructure sector, along with its international subsidiaries, has received new orders and notifications for projects worth approximately Rs 27.2 billion.The projects include:Power Transmission & Distribution (T&D) initiatives in India and overseas.Buildings and Factories (B&F) projects in India.Manish Mohnot, MD & CEO of KPIL, said, “We are delighted with the strong ordering momentum in our T&D and B&F businesses. The orders include ..

Infrastructure Energy

12 Sep 2025

ACME Solar Secures Rs 38.92 Billion Financing for Barmer Project

ACME Solar Holdings rose 2.05 per cent to Rs 308.50 after its wholly owned subsidiary, ACME Venus Urja, secured long-term project financing of Rs 38.92 billion from the State Bank of India (SBI).The funds will be utilised for the development and construction of a 400 MW Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) project in Barmer, Rajasthan. The loan repayment is structured over 19 years.The Barmer-based FDRE project is contracted with NHPC at a tariff of Rs 4.64 per unit. It will integrate solar power generation with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to ensure higher reliability and d..