Follow India Renewable Energy News on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights

MNRE Introduces SOP for Listing Wind Turbines and Components Under ALMM Framework

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline the process of listing wind turbines and key components under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). The move aims to strengthen quality assurance, cybersecurity, and supply chain transparency within India’s wind energy ecosystem.

The SOP establishes two separate registries — ALMM-Wind, which lists certified wind turbine models permitted for deployment in India, and ALMM-WTC, which includes approved manufacturers and models of major components such as blades, towers, generators, gearboxes, and specialized bearings.

Manufacturers seeking inclusion under ALMM-Wind must submit a comprehensive application to MNRE, supported by a valid Type Certificate, ISO credentials, and relevant technical documentation. The ALMM-Wind Committee will review submissions for completeness, conduct factory inspections if necessary, and recommend qualified models for listing.

For component approval, the ALMM-WTC registry comes into play once a component is validated as part of a certified turbine design. Manufacturers must provide detailed documentation and undergo on-site inspections to verify manufacturing capabilities and quality systems. The inspection fee is set at Rs 1.5 lakh plus taxes per component type.

The SOP also defines clear criteria distinguishing between new models and variants, helping prevent redundant model listings. Substantial design changes — such as a different drivetrain configuration, generator type, or rotor diameter — will qualify as a new model, while minor alterations like hub height or wind class adjustments will be classified as variants.

To encourage innovation, newly listed turbines will enjoy a temporary exemption from sourcing parts exclusively from ALMM-approved component suppliers — applicable for up to 800 MW of installations within two years of their listing.

A notable addition is the emphasis on cybersecurity. The policy mandates that all wind turbines deployed in India must operate with a domestic data control and research centre, ensuring local oversight of operational and real-time data.

The document also provides annexures and standard templates — including checklists, inspection formats, and affidavit samples — to simplify compliance for manufacturers.

Overall, the new SOP introduces a two-tier certification structure that links approved turbine models to verified component suppliers. This initiative is expected to enhance reliability, safety, and accountability in India’s wind energy sector while reinforcing the nation’s commitment to sustainable and secure renewable development.