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MNRE Mandates M2M SIM Protocol for Inverters Under PM Suryaghar Scheme to Enhance Cybersecurity

In a major step towards securing India's renewable energy infrastructure, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a compliance directive, dated July 21, 2025, mandating the use of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) SIM protocols for all inverter communication devices under the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana. This move addresses concerns that current inverters often transmit data to foreign or third-party OEM servers, posing risks of unauthorized access and compromising national energy sovereignty.

Under the new guidelines, all communication-enabled inverters must transmit real-time rooftop solar (RTS) data to a centralized national software platform, hosted on servers within India and managed either by MNRE or an appointed government agency. OEMs enlisted under the PM Suryaghar scheme will be required to integrate their devices with this platform from a date that MNRE will notify soon.

While this decision is being hailed as visionary for its emphasis on cybersecurity and grid stability, stakeholders have raised concerns over the financial burden this might impose on prosumers. The requirement for an M2M SIM with a recurring monthly data plan could deter participation, particularly among residential users. Experts suggest MNRE should explore mechanisms such as subsidized data packages or centralized procurement to ease this burden.

The directive reflects the government’s growing focus on data localization, secure communication, and real-time monitoring of decentralized energy systems as India rapidly scales its rooftop solar ambitions.