The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for Wind Turbines and Wind Turbine Components is a quality assurance initiative by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). It aims to promote the use of certified, reliable, and efficient wind energy systems across India, ensuring that only approved models and components are deployed in government-supported projects.

This framework improves transparency and responsibility in the wind power sector. By maintaining strict standards for design, manufacturing, and certification, ALMM helps promote investor confidence, enhances operational safety, and supports India’s mission toward sustainable and self-reliant renewable energy development.

Scope of ALMM-Wind and ALMM-WTC

The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers for Wind (ALMM-Wind) and Wind Turbine Components (ALMM-WTC) has been introduced by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to regulate and ensure the quality of wind turbine systems installed across India.

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) applies to all manufacturers seeking enlistment under either ALMM-Wind or ALMM-WTC. It defines the technical, procedural, and documentation necessities mandatory for inclusion in the lists.

The Type Certificate issued by an accredited Type Certification Body (CB) acts as the foundation for enlistment, covering components like blades, towers, gearboxes, generators, and bearings. Components listed under ALMM-WTC must relate directly to the wind turbine models approved in ALMM-Wind, ensuring full traceability and certified performance.

Pre-Application Requirements by the Applicant

Before applying for enlistment in ALMM-Wind or ALMM-WTC, manufacturers must ensure adherence to crucial prerequisites that validate their technical and operational competence:

• Type Certification: The applicant must own a Full or Provisional Type Certificate with no unresolved safety issues.
• ISO Certification: Proof of compliance with relevant ISO certification for manufacturing and quality management must be submitted.
• Technical Documentation: All relevant documents issued by the qualified Certification Body, including design details, performance data, and quality assurance reports, must be submitted.

These preconditions form the backbone of eligibility for ALMM inclusion and ensure compliance with national and international wind energy standards.

The ALMM-Wind and ALMM-WTC Enlistment Process

The enlistment process for both wind turbine models and their main components follows a transparent, multi-stage system designed to support quality, performance, and safety.

For ALMM-Wind

• Application Submission: Manufacturers submit a valid Type Certificate, conformity statements, certified power curve, and ISO documents.
• Committee Review: The ALMM-Wind Committee reviews all documents as per MNRE guidelines.
• Decision:

1. Listing: If fully compliant.
2. Clarifications: For minor issues that can be closed within a week.
3. Rejection: For major non-compliance.

For ALMM-WTC

This process covers components such as blades, towers, gearboxes, generators, and special bearings. It includes document scrutiny, factory inspection, and final approval by the ALMM-WTC Committee after reviewing the technical team’s inspection report.

Application Submission

Applicants must formally submit their request for inclusion in ALMM-Wind or ALMM-WTC to the MNRE. The application should be complete with all required technical and administrative documents, along with a non-refundable application fee.

MNRE may also launch a dedicated online portal to simplify submissions and tracking. The date of submission and payment marks the official start of the assessment process.

Document Scrutiny

The ALMM Committees conduct a complete review of the application and documents to verify compliance and completeness.

During this stage, they:

• Verify prerequisites, including valid Type and ISO certificates.
• Check conformity with applicable standards and technical specifications.
• Decide on next steps, which could include factory inspection or requests for additional clarification.

Only compliant applications move to the inspection phase, ensuring that registered models and components meet MNRE’s defined benchmarks.

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Types of ALMM-Wind Applications: New Enlistment and Variants

The ALMM differentiates between a New Model and a Variant to maintain integrity and prevent duplication.

• New Enlistment: A New Wind Turbine Model features a noticeably different design or technology, for example, variations in aerodynamic design, generator technology (DFIG vs. PMSG), drive train configuration, or control strategy. Such new models are exempted from sourcing components listed under ALMM-WTC for up to 800 MW capacity or two years from enlistment.
• Variant: A Variant is a modified version of an existing model with minor changes, such as less than 2% rotor diameter or 10% rated power variation. These updates do not need separate enlistment and are considered under the existing model entry.

Types of Applications for ALMM (Wind)

There are four main application categories under ALMM-Wind:

• New Enlistment of Wind Turbine Model and Manufacturer- For first-time applicants with full Type Certificates.
• New Model by Existing Manufacturer- For manufacturers already listed but introducing a new model.
• Updation of Existing Model- For changes in technical specifications or Type Certificates.
• Updation of Revised Documents- For administrative updates like renewed ISO certificates or revised technical documents.

Each application type is wisely reviewed by the ALMM-Wind Committee to ensure quality consistency and transparency.

Types of Applications for ALMM-WTC

The ALMM-WTC accepts two main types of applications:

• New Enlistment of Component: For first-time inclusion of wind turbine components such as blades, gearboxes, generators, and towers.
• Updation of Component: For manufacturers already enlisted, seeking to update their component certification or manufacturing details.

The ALMM-WTC Committee assesses each submission on the basis of inspection reports, component certificates, and compliance with ISO and IEC standards.

Verification of Documents and Non-Conformities

Once documents are submitted, the ALMM-WTC Committee thoroughly reviews them for accuracy and compliance.

If any non-conformities are identified, they are officially communicated to the manufacturer. The manufacturer must then correct them and submit a closure report.

The committee performs a final review to ensure that all nonconformities are resolved before recommending the application for enlistment.

ALMM-WTC Inspection of a Manufacturing/Assembly Facility

A key part of the ALMM-WTC process is the factory inspection, which ensures that each component manufacturer maintains consistent production quality. The inspection, conducted as per ISO/IEC 17020, includes:

• Verification of factory license, ownership, and capacity
• Review of manufacturing infrastructure, tools, and testing facilities
• Assessment of quality assurance systems and ISO compliance
• Evaluation of testing capabilities, calibration, and safety practices
• Examination of after-sales service and maintenance support

An inspection fee of Rs 1.5 lakhs (plus taxes) is applicable for each component type, excluding travel and logistics.

Report Submission and Review

After inspection, the Technical Team submits a detailed report with photographic evidence to the ALMM-WTC Committee.

The committee reviews this report and makes a recommendation to MNRE for final enlistment.

If inconsistencies remain unresolved, the committee may request additional clarifications, online verification, or a re-inspection.

Applications failing to fulfill compliance standards may be rejected after due process.

Key Annexures and Document Checklists for ALMM-Wind and ALMM-WTC

Annexure-3 Format of Inspection Reports Format for Inspection Report (Nacelle and Hub):

Format for Inspection Report (Blade)

These annexures summarize the critical documentation and inspection points required by MNRE for inclusion under the ALMM-Wind and ALMM-WTC frameworks. Applicants must ensure all documents are properly attested, complete, and submitted in the prescribed formats.

Conclusion

The SOP for ALMM-Wind and ALMM-WTC ensures that every wind turbine and component installed in India complies with certified quality, safety, and performance standards. This structured process from application and certification to inspection and listing builds strong trust among developers, investors, and consumers.

By implementing a transparent and accountable framework, MNRE’s ALMM initiative strengthens India’s renewable energy infrastructure and supports the nation’s vision for sustainable wind power development.