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The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy of the Government of India has issued an important amendment to the Standard Operating Procedure for wind energy equipment. The official memorandum was released on December 1, 2025, and it changes a key requirement that applies to the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers for wind turbines and their components. This update affects the process of evaluating wind turbine performance, especially the rules that involve prototype testing in India. The SOP was originally issued on October 29, 2025, and this new change modifies Clause 8.1, which deals with performance efficiency and safety issues related to wind energy systems.
The earlier version of the SOP required manufacturers to conduct prototype testing of wind turbines within India. This was a strict mandate and was meant to ensure that turbines demonstrated their performance under Indian geographical and climatic conditions. However, the latest amendment relaxes the immediate timeline for enforcing this requirement. Instead of making the Indian-based prototype testing compulsory right away, the ministry has now deferred the mandatory implementation. While manufacturers are still encouraged to perform prototype testing in India at the earliest, they are no longer required to do so immediately.
The amendment explains that the requirement for prototype testing within India will become mandatory only after two years from the date of issue of this memorandum. This means the mandatory rule will take effect only after December 1, 2027. The ministry has also stated that this two-year period will be subject to review, and future adjustments may be considered depending on industry progress and readiness. All other parts of the original SOP remain unchanged and will continue to apply in the same way.
Even under the amended clause, wind turbine manufacturers must still provide proof that the power curve of the turbine has been tested and certified by an accredited laboratory. The certification must follow the international standard IEC 61400-12-1. The committee responsible for reviewing the performance will continue to examine all relevant data submitted by manufacturers. This includes confirming that the performance parameters meet expected efficiency standards and that turbines can operate effectively in representative Indian geographical conditions.
This decision offers flexibility to both domestic and international wind turbine manufacturers. By providing a two-year transition period, the government aims to make the shift to mandatory local prototype testing smoother and more practical. The move is expected to support industry growth and encourage continued investment in India’s wind energy sector while ensuring that high-quality performance and safety standards are maintained.
