MNRE eases prototype testing rule for wind turbine approvals

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has amended its wind manufacturing policy to delay the mandatory requirement for in-country prototype testing. The change, issued through an office memorandum dated December 1, 2025, updates the Standard Operating Procedure for the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers for Wind and Wind Turbine Components.

The original rule under performance efficiency and safety required manufacturers to conduct prototype testing within India before their turbine models could be approved. The amended clause now encourages manufacturers to test prototypes in India. The mandatory condition will start two years from the amendment date on December 1, 2027, and will be reviewed before it takes effect.

The memorandum, signed by Scientist C Rishikesh Vaishnav, offers a transition period for manufacturers while keeping the long term plan of evaluating turbine performance under Indian conditions. The need for power curve testing and certification by an accredited laboratory under IEC 61400-12-1 remains unchanged. The evaluation committee will continue to review performance data, including results from sites that reflect Indian conditions.

The ministry intends this as a measured step to support domestic testing capacity while allowing easier entry for new turbine models in the near term. The two year window gives manufacturers time to plan and build testing capability in India. All other provisions of the SOP issued on October 29, 2025, stay the same.

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