What's Happening?
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in India has released a draft order for the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for wafers and ingots, known as ALMM List-III. This initiative aims to bolster domestic solar manufacturing by requiring at least three independent wafer/ingot manufacturing units with a combined annual capacity of 15 GW to be operational by June 2028. The ALMM List-III will apply to various solar projects, including utility-scale DISCOM PPA tenders, net metering, and open access projects. Despite some criticism regarding the stringent implementation schedule and capacity thresholds, the draft order underscores the government's commitment to enhancing domestic PV manufacturing capabilities.
Why It's Important?
The draft ALMM List-III is a crucial step in India's journey towards self-reliance in solar manufacturing, reducing dependency on imports and positioning India as a viable alternative to China in the global solar market. By focusing on upstream integration, the initiative aims to bridge the capacity gap between modules, cells, and wafers, fostering a robust domestic PV supply chain. This move is expected to stimulate investment in solar manufacturing, encourage technological advancements, and support India's goals of achieving Net Zero emissions. The government's proactive approach provides manufacturers with the opportunity to plan and expand their capacities, potentially leading to increased competitiveness and innovation in the solar industry.
