Summary:
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## 📌 Background
* **Issuing Authority:** MNRE, Grid Solar Power Division
* **Date:** 12th September 2023
* **Subject:** Draft amendment to extend ALMM coverage to **solar wafers** (List-III).
* Current ALMM covers **modules (List-I)** and **cells (List-II)**.
* New proposal: include **wafers** under ALMM with effect from **1st June 2028**.
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## ⚡ Key Provisions
1. **Creation of ALMM List-III (Wafers):**
* Will start only when **≥3 independent wafer manufacturers** exist in India.
* Combined capacity must be **≥15 GW per year**.
2. **Vertical Integration Rule:**
* Wafer manufacturers must also have **matching ingot manufacturing capacity**.
* Ensures genuine backward integration.
3. **Mandatory Sourcing Chain:**
* Projects under ALMM must use:
* Modules from **List-I** → made with cells from **List-II** → made with wafers from **List-III**.
4. **Exemptions:**
* Projects exempt from ALMM cells are automatically exempt from wafers.
* Projects bid/submitted **before the “Cut-Off Date”** (1 month after first wafer list is published) need not follow wafer requirement.
* Net-metering & open access projects commissioned **before 1 June 2028** exempt from wafers.
5. **Government Captive Projects:**
* Commissioned **before 01.06.2026** → only ALMM modules needed.
* **01.06.2026 – 01.06.2028** → modules + cells.
* **After 01.06.2028** → modules + cells + wafers.
6. **Compliance & Delisting:**
* From 01.06.2028, only modules using ALMM cells & wafers stay in **List-I**.
* Non-compliance may lead to **delisting**.
* MNRE will maintain sub-lists (List-Ia, Ib, IIa) for exempted projects.
7. **Thin Film Technology:**
* Thin-film modules from integrated plants deemed compliant (don’t need ALMM wafers/cells separately).
8. **DCR Schemes:**
* No relaxation in **Domestic Content Requirement (DCR)** for schemes like PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, CPSU-II.
9. **Procedural Guidelines:**
* Detailed guidelines for wafer enlistment will be issued separately.
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## ✅ Key Takeaway
MNRE is **extending ALMM to wafers from June 2028**, creating a fully traceable domestic supply chain (ingots → wafers → cells → modules). This move aims to **reduce import dependency**, promote **backward integration**, and **strengthen domestic solar manufacturing**.
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