The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers Wind (ALMM-Wind) and the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers Wind Turbine Components (ALMM-WTC).

For a wind turbine model to qualify for ALMM-Wind, it must possess a valid type certificate issued by an accredited certification body. The certificate must clearly identify the associated components like blades, towers, gearboxes, generators, and bearings. These elements must conform to the relevant technical and performance standards.

The enlistment of individual components in ALMM-WTC depends on their inclusion within a certified turbine model, submission of valid component certificates, and verification through inspections conducted by designated technical teams. This linkage ensures transparency and traceability between a turbine model and its approved parts.

The type certificate’s approved component list serves as the formal input for the ALMM-WTC process, establishing direct traceability between turbine models and approved components.

Pre-Application Requirements

Before applying, manufacturers must ensure they hold a full type certificate or a provisional type certificate without any pending safety concerns. They must also demonstrate conformity with relevant ISO quality management standards and submit all technical documentation issued by an accredited certification body.

Additionally, manufacturers must ensure that all real-time operational data and control systems remain within India, with data centers and servers located in the country. They must also have a research and development (R&D) center in India, in line with MNRE’s data security and localization requirements.

Applicants must also submit an affidavit and indemnity bond in the prescribed MNRE formats, affirming data localization, technical compliance, and a commitment to provide operation and maintenance support for a minimum of 20 years for installed turbines and components.

ALMM-Wind Enlistment Process

The enlistment process begins when a manufacturer submits a complete application, including the Type Certificate, conformity statements, final evaluation report, certified power curve, and ISO certificates.

A committee designated by MNRE examines these documents to verify compliance with all applicable guidelines and standards. The committee will approve the listing if all criteria are met, or request additional clarifications for minor deficiencies, or reject the application if major non-compliance is detected.

If necessary, a technical inspection team may be constituted to visit the manufacturing facility. Only after a satisfactory inspection report is received can the turbine model be added to the ALMM-Wind list.

The enlistment of a wind turbine model in ALMM-Wind remains valid only if its components are listed under ALMM-WTC. However, this requirement is subject to exemptions. Projects whose bids closed before July 31, 2025, as long as they are commissioned within three years of that date, are exempted.

Projects commissioned within 18 months of July 31, 2025, under captive, open access, commercial, and industrial, or third-party sale are also exempted.

Newly enlisted turbine models are eligible for a transitional exemption of up to 800 MW capacity within a maximum of two years from the date of ALMM-Wind enlistment. This exemption applies only once, and the same component models cannot be re-exempted for another new model by the same manufacturer.

The SOP also mandates that prototype testing of new turbine models must be conducted within India before full enlistment approval.

ALMM-WTC Enlistment Process

The ALMM-WTC covers critical components, including blades, gearboxes, generators, towers, and special bearings. The process begins when an applicant submits the necessary documents, including the turbine’s type certificate, a component certificate, and relevant ISO credentials.

Applications must be submitted to MNRE with a copy marked to the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE).

The committee first verifies the documents and the consistency of information between the turbine and component certifications. If the submission is complete, the committee recommends a factory inspection conducted by a technical team in accordance with ISO/IEC 17020 standards. This inspection assesses whether manufacturing processes, material handling, and quality systems comply with certified practices.

The inspection also verifies the manufacturer’s legal status, production capability, and intellectual property rights, or license-to-use agreements, for designs and components.

Following the inspection, a detailed report is submitted to MNRE. The committee reviews the report and decides whether to approve the listing of the component manufacturer and its model under ALMM-WTC. Once listed, these components are authorized for use in India.

This authorization applies only after successful enlistment under ALMM-WTC, except for projects covered under the July 31, 2025, exemption categories.

The Ministry periodically publishes and updates the ALMM-WTC lists on its website. Post-enlistment surveillance inspections may also be carried out to ensure sustained compliance.

Submission of Applications

Applicants must submit their documents either physically or through an online portal as may be established by MNRE. The application should be complete with all required technical and administrative details.

All submissions must include the affidavit and indemnity bond, along with supporting documents.

An application fee of ₹150,000 (~$1,695)/component type, exclusive of taxes and travel costs, is applicable for ALMM-WTC inspections. This fee is non-refundable. The submission and payment together mark the commencement of the official review process.

Document Verification

Upon receipt, the ALMM committees will undertake a detailed examination of all submitted documents. They first verify the existence of a valid type certificate and then cross-check compliance with all technical, quality, and administrative standards.

Applications found compliant proceed to physical inspection. Non-compliant or incomplete submissions are either returned for clarification or rejected.

Classification of Wind Turbine Models

The SOP distinguishes between new models and variants to maintain technical integrity and prevent redundant listings.

A new model refers to a distinct turbine design requiring separate enlistment. Minor variations in parameters such as hub height, tower type, or voltage do not constitute a new model unless accompanied by significant design changes. A turbine is not treated as new if the rotor diameter variation is below 2% or the rated power variation is below 10% compared to an existing listed model.

However, substantial architectural or technological differences such as shifting from DFIG to PMSG generators, from geared to direct-drive systems, or from pitch to stall control qualify as new models. Changes in design life, such as from 20 years to 25 years, also qualify as new models under the SOP.

A variant represents minor modifications within an already-listed design. Such updates are treated as part of the existing entry rather than as new models. The committee reserves the right to reclassify submissions if the proposed changes do not meet the threshold for new enlistment.

Types of Applications under ALMM-Wind

Applications to ALMM-Wind are categorized into four groups:

• New Enlistment – For first-time manufacturers introducing a new turbine model. The committee reviews technological design, innovations, ISO compliance, and safety data before approving. Prototype testing within India is mandatory for new designs.
• New Model by Existing Manufacturer – Evaluated for distinction from existing entries, focusing on architecture and performance differences.
• Updation of Existing Model – For revisions to Type Certificates or component vendors.
• Updation of Non-Type Documents – For updated ISO certificates or administrative changes without altering technical data

Types of Applications under ALMM-WTC

Applications for component enlistment are similarly divided into two categories:

• New Enlistment – For manufacturers applying for the first time.
• Updation – For those revising existing certifications or technical documentation.

Any non-conformities identified during the review are communicated to the applicant, who must address them before final approval.

Inspection of Manufacturing Facilities

Factory inspections will be conducted by technical teams under ISO/IEC 17020 to evaluate the legal and operational status of the facility, production capacity and manpower, quality control and assurance systems, testing and calibration facilities, safety and environmental compliance, and after-sales service capabilities. Inspections also include verification of intellectual property rights, license-to-use documents, and compliance with approved design ownership.

Final Review

After inspection, the technical team submits a comprehensive report to the ALMM-WTC Committee. The committee then reviews both the manufacturer’s documents and the inspection findings.

If all conditions are satisfied, a recommendation for enlistment is forwarded to MNRE for final approval. If issues persist, the committee may call for re-inspection or revised documentation. Persistent non-compliance may result in rejection.

MNRE had earlier renamed the Revised List of Models and Manufacturers of Wind Turbines (RLMM) as ALMM-Wind.

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