Wind Energy: MNRE Amends RLMM Norms To Boost Local Business

India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed revisions to the Revised List of Models and Manufacturers (RLMM) for the wind energy industry, with a focus on boosting domestic manufacturing and strengthening data privacy. MNRE’s RLMM enlists Indian and global wind turbine manufacturers, operational in the Indian wind energy market.

In its latest draft guidelines, the ministry said companies seeking to be listed under the RLMM must now disclose the names of domestic vendors and the sources of key components — including the blade, tower, gearbox and generator — in addition to existing requirements such as turbine model, tower height, rated power, technical collaborations, type certificates, and ISO certifications.

Domestic production mandate 

“The type certificate of the wind turbine model shall mandatorily include Blade, Tower, Gearbox and Generator manufacturing facility in India and these components shall only be sourced from such facilities,” the draft said.

An exemption will be allowed for the import of these components — for up to 200 MW or one year, whichever is earlier — for any new turbine manufacturer or new model added to the RLMM.

Focus on data privacy and localisation

The ministry also underscored data privacy concerns, requiring wind turbine manufacturers to ensure data centres and servers are located exclusively within India.

“To strengthen the cybersecurity ecosystem, data centres and/or servers must be mandatorily located in India. All data pertaining to wind turbines must be stored and maintained within the country,” the draft stated.

It added that transferring real-time operational data outside India would be prohibited. “Operational control of wind turbines must be conducted exclusively from a facility located within India,” it said.

Manufacturers will also be required to establish their research and development (R&D) centres within India within six months of the issuance of the final memorandum, the ministry added in its official notification.