The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) issued an official memorandum giving an important clarification for the green energy sector. The clarification relates to the use of solar equipment in projects under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme, which is a key part of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.
The memorandum focuses on projects approved under Mode 2A and Mode 2B of the SIGHT scheme. These two modes play an important role in supporting the domestic production of green hydrogen and its derivatives. The clarification was issued after several industry stakeholders approached the Ministry seeking clarity on whether solar PV cells and modules used in these projects must comply with the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).
According to the memorandum, the government has decided to grant a specific exemption related to the use of solar PV cells. For projects under SIGHT Mode 2A and Mode 2B, the requirement to use solar cells from ALMM List-II will be waived, subject to certain conditions. The key condition is linked to the bid timeline. The last date for submission of bids for the project must have been on or before August 31, 2025.
The exemption applies only to renewable power projects that are set up exclusively to supply power for these SIGHT Mode 2A and Mode 2B allocations. The Ministry also clarified that the date of commissioning of the project does not affect the exemption, as long as the bid submission deadline meets the August 2025 cut-off. This clarification is particularly relevant for Mode 2A bids invited by the Solar Energy Corporation of India, where the final bid submission date was July 14, 2025, and for tenders issued by Oil Marketing Companies under Mode 2B.
However, the Ministry stated that the exemption will not be granted automatically. Each project must submit a formal request, and exemptions will be considered and approved on a case-by-case basis after due assessment. The Ministry also confirmed that provisions from its earlier memorandum dated May 27, 2024, will continue to remain valid along with this new clarification.
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