This article is an informative piece discussing the United States’ recent induction into the International Solar Alliance (ISA), thus making it the alliance’s 101st member. It outlines key facts about the ISA, its launch, its current members, and its primary objectives. Finally, it touches on new programs the ISA has initiated, in particular regarding solar photovoltaic panel management and battery usage waste, and a solar hydrogen program aimed at making solar electricity to produce hydrogen more affordable.
United States: The 101st Member of the International Solar Alliance
Recently, the United States of America joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA), becoming the 101st member country of the alliance. This followed the hosting of the fourth general assembly of the ISA.
About the International Solar Alliance
The ISA is an intergovernmental organisation based on treaty, with a global mandate aimed at catalyzing growth in solar energy. It accomplishes this by aiding in the reduction of the cost of financing and technology. Furthermore, the ISA functions as the nodal agency responsible for the implementation of the One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative, which aims to transfer solar power generated in one region to meet the electricity demands in other regions.
Launching of the International Solar Alliance
The ISA is an initiative of the Indian government. It was launched by the Prime Minister of India and the President of France on 30th November 2015, in Paris, France. This occurred on the sidelines of the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP-21). The prospective members of the alliance included 121 countries rich in solar resources, lying fully or partially between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
Member Nations of the International Solar Alliance
With the recent addition of the United States, the International Solar Alliance now boasts 101 member countries.
Headquarters of the International Solar Alliance
The headquarters for the International Solar Alliance is located in India, with its Interim Secretariat established in Gurugram.
Objectives of the International Solar Alliance
The main objective of the ISA is to address collectively the significant challenges that impede the scaling up of solar energy within ISA member countries.
New Initiatives by the International Solar Alliance
The International Solar Alliance has launched new programmes concerning the management of solar photovoltaic panels and battery usage waste. In addition, a solar hydrogen programme aimed at leveraging solar electricity to produce hydrogen at more affordable rates has been initiated. This Hydrogen initiative seeks to decrease the current rate of hydrogen production from $5 per KG to around $2 per KG.