International Solar Alliance - ISA, Global Push for Sustainable Solar Energy

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was launched in 2015 by India and France at the COP21 Paris Climate Summit, aimed at promoting solar energy for sustainable energy access and climate change mitigation. Headquartered in India, ISA is the first international organization based in the country, symbolizing India’s dedication to multilateralism and a carbon-neutral future. With 120 Member and Signatory Countries, ISA’s mission is to enhance energy security, foster global cooperation, and promote a transition to cleaner energy systems

7th Session of the ISA Assembly (November 3-6, 2024)

Held in New Delhi, the 7th Session emphasized accelerating solar energy deployment across member nations, particularly in regions with limited access to energy. Key initiatives, programs, and funding schemes were introduced, reinforcing ISA’s commitment to supporting solar projects worldwide.

Major Initiatives Launched a.

a. SolarX Startup Challenge: Launched at COP27 to support solar-based startups in member countries.

b. STAR-C Initiative: Focused on skill development in solar technology for developing nations.

c. Global Solar Facility: Aimed at boosting investment in underserved areas, with special emphasis on Africa.

d. Viability Gap Funding Scheme: Grants for solar projects in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to lower financial barriers.

e. Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre: Explores synergies between solar energy and hydrogen.

f. World Solar Reports: The third edition launched four key reports on market, investment, technology, and green hydrogen trends, with a special focus on Africa.

Key Leadership Elections

Mr. Ashish Khanna from India was elected as the ISA’s third Director General, while India and France were elected President and Co-President for 2024-2026. Eight Vice Presidents were chosen from ISA’s four regional groups, ensuring equitable representation. This Assembly is ISA’s apex decision-making body, instrumental in implementing ISA’s Framework Agreement and fostering global solar cooperation

Objectives of ISA

The ISA seeks to mobilize US$1 trillion in solar investments by 2030 under its “Towards 1000” strategy. Key goals include:.

Reducing costs for solar technology and financing.
Providing energy access to 1 billion people.
Installing 1,000 GW of solar capacity, helping to reduce CO emissions by 1,000 million tonnes annually.

ISA’s nine core programs target analytics, capacity building, and programmatic support to foster investment-friendly environments for solar energy. These initiatives span multiple sectors, from agriculture and health to transport, providing member countries with policies and shared best practices to support solar energy expansion.

India’s Role in ISA and Solar Sector Overview

India’s leadership in renewable energy laid the foundation for ISA, aligning with the country’s ambitious targets under the Panchamrit Initiative, which include:

Achieving a 500 GW non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030.
Meeting 50% of energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.
Reducing projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030.
Lowering carbon intensity by 45% by 2030.
Attaining net-zero emissions by 2070.

As of September 2024, India ranks fifth globally in solar power capacity, with approximately 90.76 GW installed. Government policies like 100% FDI in renewable energy and rapid technological advancements have created a favorable environment for solar growth.