The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has ruled out a blanket extension of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II deadline beyond June 1, 2026, while offering limited relief to renewable energy developers that have already made significant investments in projects impacted by implementation delays.
In an Office Memorandum dated May 25, the ministry said net metering projects, open access renewable energy projects and projects commissioned on or after June 1, 2026, will be required to source solar photovoltaic (PV) modules from ALMM List-I and solar PV cells from ALMM List-II. The decision comes amid repeated representations from industry stakeholders seeking an extension of the ALMM timeline, citing project delays and supply-side disruptions. However, MNRE said policy stability must be maintained to support long-term investor confidence in domestic solar PV manufacturing.
Relief Only for Select Projects
While rejecting a blanket extension, the ministry acknowledged concerns of renewable power developers who had already made investments toward project execution. It said a case-by-case exemption mechanism would be available for projects where substantial progress had already been achieved before the deadline. Projects where solar PV modules have already been installed but remain uncommissioned before June 1 may qualify for exemptions. In addition, developers that have undertaken “effective steps” toward project grounding may also be considered for relief, subject to documentary evidence.
To qualify, projects must have achieved milestones such as possession of at least 75 per cent land, financial closure, connectivity approvals and approval of electrical drawings before June 1. Developers must also demonstrate that solar modules had either arrived at the site or that more than 50 per cent of modules had already been installed. The ministry further clarified that disruptions arising from the prevailing West Asia crisis may be treated as force majeure in select cases, allowing a two- to four-month extension of contractual obligations without penalty, subject to assessment by procuring entities. The move is expected to support domestic solar manufacturing while limiting disruption for projects where investments have already been committed. |
