International Solar Alliance

Introduction:

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an intergovernmental organization founded by India and France in November 2015 to increase the international adoption of solar energy. The ISA aims to mobilize more than USD 1000 billion of investment by 2030 for the deployment of solar energy. The majority of ISA member states are located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn and are working together to reduce the cost of solar power.

Objectives:

The ISA aims to employ cost-effective solar energy technologies to help nations transition to renewable energy, particularly in the least developed countries and small island developing states. It focuses on reducing carbon emissions and creating a conducive environment for the development of solar energy.

Priority Areas:

To achieve its objectives, the ISA focuses on the following priority areas:

  • Analytics and Advocacy
  • Capacity Building
  • Programmatic Support
  • Readiness and enabling activities

Roles of the Secretariat:

The secretariat of the ISA is located in Gurugram, India, and has the responsibility of assisting National Focal Points in preparing program proposals and recommendations and providing guidance to member nations in setting up projects.

Important Projects:

The ISA is actively involved in several important projects, including the One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG), the ISA Solar Technology and Application Resource Centre (ISTARC), and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Scheme.

OSOWOG aims to build a global system of interconnected renewable energy sources, focusing on the vision that “the sun never sets” and to attain maximum benefits by enabling cost-effective solar energy technology at a global level. ISTARC enables collaborative research and development along with suitable training programs for member nations. The ITEC scheme provides a 21-day training program in the field of solar energy funded by the Indian government.

National Solar Mission:

The National Solar Mission is one of the missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change, which has helped establish India as a global leader in the solar energy sector. India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions target is to achieve about 40% of cumulative installed capacity from fossil fuel alternatives and reduce the emission intensity of its GDP by 35% from 2005 levels by the end of the decade.

Concerns:

Despite the efforts of the ISA, the absence of an economic plan and access to necessary technology and funding are major hurdles in the way of its success. Investment in research and development and a suitable economic policy in place should be prompted. Two recent financial components, the Solar Payment Guarantee Fund and Solar Insurance Fund, are steps in the right direction, helping to attract private capital, especially in underserved markets in Africa.

Conclusion:

The International Solar Alliance is a collaborative platform that enables easy access to solar energy technologies, helping nations transition to solar energy generation. With 110 signatories and 90 countries having ratified the agreement, the ISA is poised to make a significant impact in the global transition to renewable energy.

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