ALMM list for solar PV cells to be released soon: Pralhad Joshi

The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) list is designed to include solar PV cells that meet BIS standards, aimed at bolstering domestic solar PV manufacturing and reducing dependency on Chinese imports.

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, announced that the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is preparing to release an Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for solar PV cells. Speaking at the POWERGEN India 2024 event, Joshi revealed that the list is currently in the pipeline, and a final decision will be made shortly.

The ALMM list is designed to include solar PV cells that meet BIS standards, aimed at bolstering domestic solar PV manufacturing and reducing dependency on Chinese imports. Until now, the ALMM list only covered solar PV modules. The upcoming inclusion of solar cells is expected to significantly boost India’s solar cell manufacturing capacity, which currently stands at around 6 GW.

The ALMM list was first introduced in 2021 but was suspended due to insufficient domestic manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand. It was reinstated on April 1, 2024, requiring solar projects backed by government tenders to use only government-approved solar PV modules. This list currently accounts for a total capacity of 54 GW of solar PV modules.

India’s ambitious target to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with 292 GW coming from solar, underscores the importance of this initiative.

Addressing the event, Joshi emphasized the platform’s role in fostering global collaboration for the green energy transition. He said, “The country ranks fourth globally in installed renewable energy capacity, government has allocated Rs. 7,453 crore to support the installation of 1,000 MW of offshore wind energy projects.”