MNRE Clarifies ALMM Exemptions For Solar Projects Under Open Access And Net-Metering Policies

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) issued a clarification regarding the Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (Compulsory Registration) Order, 2019, and its subsequent amendments. A key point of the clarification, dated October 7, 2022, states that the amendments made on January 13, 2022, and March 28, 2022, will not apply to renewable energy projects under open access and net-metering schemes if specific approvals were obtained before October 1, 2022.

For renewable energy projects that fall under the open access and net-metering categories, the MNRE specified that certain approvals must have been obtained before the mentioned date for the exemption to apply. These approvals include in-principle approval, a No Objection Certificate (NOC), a government order, or any other relevant permissions required by state or union territory (UT) policies. Such approvals may also be governed by the rules and regulations of the respective Electricity Regulatory Commissions, whether Central, State, or Joint.

Entities that could be involved in granting these approvals include distribution licensees, State Transmission Utilities (STUs), Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL), State and National Load Despatch Centres, Regional Load Despatch Centres, Grid Controller of India Limited, and State Nodal Agencies for renewable energy. These entities are responsible for regulating renewable energy projects and ensuring that projects comply with applicable state or central policies.

The clarification emphasizes that any projects that received these approvals before October 1, 2022, will not be affected by the amendments made in 2022. The intention behind this communication is to provide clear guidelines for those involved in the renewable energy sector to understand how the registration order applies to specific cases. This clarification was issued with the approval of the relevant authority within MNRE to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the applicable exemptions.