A group of solar power developers has filed a writ petition in the Karnataka High Court, formally challenging the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) regarding the mandatory enforcement of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II. The petition contests the government’s directive requiring solar projects commissioned on or after June 1, 2026, to exclusively source solar cells from domestic manufacturers listed in the government-approved registry.
Context of the ALMM Mandate
The ALMM List-II was introduced by the Indian government as a strategic trade barrier to bolster the domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem. By restricting project developers from utilizing cheaper imported solar cells, officials aim to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, specifically targeting imports from China.
For years, the Indian solar sector has relied heavily on imported components due to cost-efficiency and existing scale. The mandate creates a regulatory deadline that forces developers to align their long-term procurement strategies with the currently developing local production capacity.
Industry Concerns and Legal Arguments
The petitioners argue that the mandate is
