Request for Comments on Draft Order for Implementation of ALMM (Approval List of Models & Manufacturers) for Wafers – EQ
Summary:
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## 📌 Background
* **Issuer:** Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), Grid Solar Power Division.
* **Date:** 12th September 2023.
* **Subject:** Draft amendment to extend ALMM (Approved List of Models & Manufacturers) to **wafers** (List-III).
* Builds on earlier ALMM framework:
* **List-I:** Modules
* **List-II:** Cells
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## ⚡ Key Provisions
1. **Effective Date:**
* ALMM for wafers (List-III) starts from **1 June 2028**.
2. **Preconditions for List-III issuance:**
* At least **3 independent wafer manufacturers** (not under common control).
* Combined wafer capacity **≥15 GW per annum**.
* Wafer makers must have **matching ingot manufacturing capacity**.
3. **Supply Chain Mandate:**
* Modules → from ALMM List-I.
* Cells → from ALMM List-II.
* Wafers → from ALMM List-III.
4. **Exemptions:**
* Projects exempt from ALMM cells also exempt from wafers.
* Projects with bids submitted **before “Cut-Off Date”** (1 month after first wafer list notification) are exempt from wafer requirement, regardless of commissioning date.
* Net-metering & Open Access projects **commissioned before 1 June 2028** exempt from wafers.
5. **Government Captive Projects:**
* Commissioned **before 01.06.2026:** only modules required.
* **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 remain in List-I.
* Non-compliant module makers risk **delisting**.
* New sub-lists:
* **List-I(a):** Modules using non-ALMM cells & wafers.
* **List-I(b):** Modules using ALMM cells but non-ALMM wafers.
* **List-II(a):** Cells using non-ALMM wafers.
7. **Technology Clause:**
* Thin-film modules from integrated plants are deemed compliant.
8. **DCR Schemes:**
* No relaxation in **Domestic Content Requirement (DCR)** obligations (e.g., PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar, CPSU-II).
9. **Procedural Guidelines:**
* Separate guidelines for wafer enlistment in ALMM List-III to follow.
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## ✅ Key Outcome
MNRE is formalizing **ALMM List-III for wafers effective June 2028**, completing a **domestic supply chain link (ingots → wafers → cells → modules)**. This is aimed at strengthening India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem and reducing import dependence.
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