New Delhi: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released a comprehensive summary of major policy and regulatory developments for September 2026, covering crucial updates from MNRE, CERC, CEA, CTUIL, Grid India and State Regulators.
Top 5 Highlights for the Renewable Sector:
1. ALMM Lists Updated (Major for Solar Manufacturers)
On 16th September, MNRE updated ALMM List-I for Solar PV Modules and on 28th September issued the 10th Revision of ALMM List-II for Solar PV Cells. The revised lists will be the mandatory reference for checking module/cell eligibility for all Government, Government-assisted, Open Access and Net-Metering projects. Developers and procuring agencies must now comply with the new lists.
2. Union Cabinet Approves Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III)
In the biggest announcement, the Union Cabinet on 30th September 2026 approved the GEC-III scheme with a massive outlay of ₹1,86,405 crore. The scheme aims to evacuate 135 GW of renewable energy by FY 2032-33.
– ₹1,36,378 cr for intra-State transmission
– ₹50,000 cr for 50 GWh Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
– Central Financial Support of ₹54,082 crore
State Transmission Utilities will be the implementing agencies. Greenfield projects will be via Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (BOOM model).
3. New Grid Rules for Storage Integration
CERC issued the draft Indian Electricity Grid Code (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (comments till 21st Oct). It proposes new trial-run norms for standalone ESS/BESS (min 50 MW) and a congestion-charge mechanism.
*CEA* proposed mandatory *co-located ESS (minimum 2-hour)* for future ground-mounted solar and on-shore wind projects and *15% grid-forming capability* for inverters for projects commissioned after 1st July 2027.
*CTUIL* issued an advisory allowing enhancement of BESS capacity (in MWh) for projects that already have connectivity.
*4. REC Mechanism Revamped*
*Grid India* published *Revision-4 of Modified Detailed Procedure for REC Mechanism* on 22nd September 2026 under CERC REC Regulations 2022, updating registration, issuance and trading processes for obligated entities and renewable generators.
*5. State-Level Big Moves*
– *Bihar Cabinet* approved solarisation of *2,554 agricultural feeders via 2,585 MW solar plants* with a support package of *₹2,761.55 crore* (₹1.05 cr/MW grant + ₹47.30 cr for Panchayats). It also approved the Draft *Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy 2026*.
– *MERC (Maharashtra)* released 5 draft regulations on 21st Sept including BESS Regulations, Rooftop RE, State Grid Code Amendment, RPO/REC Second Amendment and Forecasting & Scheduling for Solar/Wind.
