The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) recently granted Observer Status to the International Solar Alliance (ISA), marking a new milestone in global energy development. This move enhances cooperation between the Alliance and the United Nations, supporting advancements in worldwide energy growth.
About the United Nations General Assembly
The UNGA serves as the primary deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the UN, boasting representation from all 193 Member States. The President of the General Assembly, who is elected annually to serve a one-year term, presides over the organization’s activities.
Annually, in September, the full UN membership convenes for the General Assembly session in New York. Here, heads of states attend and discuss important topics like peace and security, new member admissions, and budgetary matters, among others.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA)
The ISA is an intergovernmental treaty-based organisation that aims to boost solar growth by reducing the cost of financing and technology. Launched in 2015 by the Prime Minister of India and the French President, it currently comprises 101 members, including the US. The headquarters are located in India, with its Interim Secretariat set up in Gurugram.
ISA’s Objectives and New Programmes
ISA aims to collectively confront key challenges in scaling up solar energy within its member countries. Recent initiatives include managing solar PV panels and battery usage waste, as well as a solar hydrogen programme to make solar electricity more affordable.
Solar Energy Initiatives in India
India has unveiled several initiatives to become a global leader in solar energy. The National Solar Mission, a component of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, plans to instal 100 GW grid-connected solar power plants by 2022. Additionally, the government has introduced schemes like the Solar Park Scheme and Canal Bank & Canal Top Scheme to promote solar energy usage.
The first Green Hydrogen Mobility project in India is another step towards a greener future. National Thermal Power Corporation Limited Renewable Energy Ltd signed an agreement with the Union Territory of Ladakh to establish this ground-breaking initiative.
About Solar Energy
Solar energy, the sun’s radiation capable of producing heat and generating electricity, has immense potential to meet future energy needs. When harnessed effectively, this highly diffused source can offer numerous benefits, such as being available during peak load demand time, longer lifespan with lesser maintenance for conversion equipment, and no pollution.
The Significance of Solar Energy
Solar energy is abundant almost everywhere and doesn’t need transmission lines, thus reducing energy loss. It offers grid tie-up capital returns through net metering, providing cost-effective power generation. Unlike conventional thermal power from coal, it generates clean energy and contributes to higher energy infrastructure security.