The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is preparing to host three significant events from October 2nd to 5th in New Delhi. The lineup consists of the First Assembly of International Solar Alliance (ISA), the 2nd Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting, and the 2nd Global Renewable Energy Investment Meeting and Expo (REINVEST- 2018). All three gatherings will be inaugurated together by the Prime Minister, with Mr Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, in attendance.
The International Solar Alliance
The International Solar Alliance (ISA), headed at the National Institute for Solar Energy in Gurugram, Haryana, is set to hold its first assembly. Born out of a collaboration between the Prime Minister of India and the President of France on November 30, 2015, ISA was introduced as a part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s Conference of Parties (CoP 21).
The Alliance aims to tackle obstacles hindering large-scale solar energy deployment through harmonization and demand aggregation from solar-rich countries that lie fully or partially within the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. As of December 6, 2017, following ratification from the required number of countries, ISA became the first fully-formed international intergovernmental organization based on a treaty, with headquarters in India. Of the 121 potential member countries located either fully or partially between the Tropics, 68 nations have signed the ISA Framework Agreement.
Indian Ocean Rim Association
Founded in 1997, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) serves as a regional forum focused on fostering understanding and mutually beneficial cooperation among member states. This collaboration is facilitated through a consensus-based, progressive, and non-intrusive approach. At present, IORA accounts for 21 member states, including countries like Australia, India, Iran, and South Africa, to name a few.
The IORA Secretariat calls Cyber City, Ebène, Mauritius, home and oversees the implementation of policy decisions, work programs, and projects adopted by member states. IORA’s significance is underscored by the Indian Ocean’s role in global trade and transport, with the ocean bearing half of the world’s container ships, one-third of international bulk cargo traffic, and two-thirds of global oil shipments. With such a crucial role in international commerce, the region is intricately intertwined with significant sea-lanes and trade routes.
Global Renewable Energy Investment Meeting and Expo
The final event, known as REINVEST- 2018 or 2nd RE-INVEST, is aimed at accelerating global efforts to upscale renewable energy and link India’s energy stakeholders with the worldwide investment community. The three-day Conference will delve into discussions on renewables, cleantech, and future energy choices while featuring an Expo of associated manufacturers, developers, investors, and innovators from the industry.
REINVEST- 2018 expects attendance from Ministerial Delegations worldwide, including member countries from ISA and IORA. Over 600 global industry leaders, along with 10,000 delegates, are projected to grace the event. The first Global RE-Invest was successfully conducted in New Delhi from February 15 to17 in 2015.
