Prototype wind turbines need ALMM listing before commercial use, says MNRE
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has clarified that prototype wind turbine models intended for commercial deployment can only be installed after being included in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for Wind.
In an Office Memorandum dated July 14, 2026, the Ministry stated that prototype models may continue to be installed and commissioned for testing purposes before ALMM enlistment in accordance with Clause 5 of the “Revised Guidelines for installation of prototype wind turbine models” issued on June 12, 2025. The memorandum supersedes earlier communications on the matter and has been issued with the approval of the competent authority.
The clarification follows amendments issued by MNRE to the Revised Guidelines for Installation of Prototype Wind Turbine Models. The changes introduced a framework permitting sale of electricity generated by prototype turbines and replaced the earlier reference to the Revised List of Models and Manufacturers (RLMM) with the ALMM (Wind) mechanism.
Under the amended provisions, up to three prototype turbines of a particular model may be synchronised and commissioned. Power generated by these units may be procured by distribution companies (DISCOMs) or other entities at mutually agreed tariffs or tariffs determined by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) or the relevant State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC). All other provisions of the June 12, 2025 guidelines remain unchanged.
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