MNRE Issues Clarification On ALMM Implementation Timeline

MNRE Issues Clarification On ALMM Implementation Timeline

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has now come out with a notification to allay apprehensions of solar project developers towards the timeline of the implementation of the ALMM scheme. Through the notification, the MNRE sought to clarify on the applicability of the scheme since the date of submissions of bids for government solar projects. 

The ministry brought out the Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar PV Modules (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) order in 2019.  It also came out with an amendment order in 2021 which talked about the timeline issue. The 2021 order issued on March 10, 2021 had said that the ALMM order for solar modules would be applicable for all such projects whose last date of bid submission was on or after April 10, 2021. 

In the latest notification issued by the MNRE, the ministry has reiterated the same stand. The latest notification from the MNRE said, “It is once again reiterated that ALMM order in respect of List I (Modules) shall be applicable on all such bids whose last date of bid submission is on or after 10.04.2021 . i.e. Projects where last date of bid submission was prior to 10.04.2021, ALMM order in respect of List I (Modules) shall not be applicable.”

As per the mandate under ALMM only the models and manufacturers included in the ALMM list should be eligible for use in government, government assisted projects, projects under government schemes and programmes installed in the country. This also included projects setup for the sale of power to government under the norms of the Union government. 

The ministry had earlier also clarified that the word ‘government’ should include central government, state government, CPSE, SPSE or autonomous bodies. The ministry had earlier also said that the bidding agencies should take an explicit declaration from the borders that they were aware of the bidding provisions of the ALMM order and the list thereunder while quoting tariff in the bid.