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Context:
India and France have been elected as the President and Co-President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for the two-year term (2024-2026).
About International Solar Alliance (ISA)
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International Solar Alliance (ISA)
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- It is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization of over 120 countries, the majority of which are located between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
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- Countries that do not fall within the Tropics can join the alliance and receive the same benefits as other members, with the exception of voting rights.
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Foundation
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- The initiative was launched by the Indian Prime Minister at the India-Africa Summit, as well as a meeting of member countries at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris in 2015.
- In 2016, the International Solar Alliance's framework agreement opened for signatures in Marrakesh, Morocco.
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Objectives
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- To promote the effective use of solar energy to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
- It aims to ensure $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030 through its 'Towards 1000' strategy; focusing on reducing both technology and financing costs.
- To provide 1 billion people with energy access and install 1,000 GW of solar energy capacity.
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Headquarters
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- ISA Headquarters in Gurugram, Haryana.
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Focus Area
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- Encourages member countries to invest in solar technologies and applications to improve poor people's well-being and make the global environment more climate-friendly.
- Works with bilateral and multilateral agencies to create financial mechanisms that provide low-cost, long-term financial resources to support solar projects and investments.
- Create a platform that includes a 24/7 e-portal for member countries to share their policy development experiences and best practices.
- Encourages collaboration between R&D centers, application-oriented research, and capacity-building programs through training, educational programs, and exchanges of officials, entrepreneurs, students, and sector experts.
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7th Session of International Solar Alliance (ISA)
The 7th Session was held in New Delhi from November 3 to 6, 2024, focused on accelerating solar energy deployment across its Member Countries, particularly in regions with limited energy access.
It pointed out a number of initiatives, programs, and funding schemes aimed at promoting solar energy projects and global cooperation.
Initiatives launched at the 7th ISA Session
- SolarX Startup challenge to support innovative solar businesses in ISA member countries.
- STAR-C Initiative to improve solar technology skills in developing economies.
- Global Solar Facility to catalyze investment in underserved areas, particularly Africa.
- The Viability Gap Funding Scheme provides grants for solar projects in the least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS).
- Solar Data Portal to provide real-time data to help investors make informed decisions.
- The International Solar Festival to promote global collaboration on solar solutions.
- Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre to investigate synergies between solar energy and hydrogen.
- ISA Knowledge Series and World Solar Reports to promote research, insights, and market trends in the solar energy industry.
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"One Sun One World One Grid" (OSOWOG) project
- It aims to establish a global network of interconnected renewable energy resources, mainly solar energy. Its vision is "The Sun Never Sets," which means that solar energy can be harvested at any time from anywhere in the world.
- It aims to promote global cooperation by sharing solar energy and economic benefits.
- It is supported by the World Bank's technical assistance program.
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India’s Leadership in ISA
India's plan to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030 aligns with the ISA's mission to promote solar energy adoption globally. This goal is part of the Panchamrit Initiative, which aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development.
India plays a crucial role in shaping ISA initiatives and promoting international cooperation. Its expertise in expanding solar projects and policy frameworks serves as a model for other member countries.
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Overview of India's Solar Sector
- India ranks fifth globally in solar power capacity. As of September 2024, India's installed solar capacity stands at nearly 90.76 GW.
- The National Institute of Solar Energy estimates India's solar potential at 748 GW.
- Approximately 46.3% of the country’s total energy capacity now comes from non-fossil sources.
- The government allowed 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in renewable energy projects.
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Significance of the ISA
It takes a balanced approach to energy equity and justice, moving away from a one-size-fits-all solution.
It promotes democratic access to solar energy by facilitating the transfer of solar technology from research laboratories to the ground.
It contributes to the development of a global solar energy market by encouraging large-scale solar energy deployment to lower costs and promotes collaborative development.
Challenges
China is dominating the solar supply chain. Developing countries, including India, depend heavily on Chinese solar technology, which create vulnerabilities that were highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- China did not ratified the ISA agreement, raising concerns about the alliance's long-term stability and equity in solar technology deployment.
The entry of private companies motivated by profit may result in higher costs for consumers, especially in rural areas where access to electricity is considered a basic need. The challenge is to strike a balance between private investment, energy justice, and mass affordability.
Land acquisition for solar energy projects has raised ethical concerns, while the government aims to use wastelands for solar parks, the term "wasteland" can be ambiguous, as some of these lands may support unique ecological systems or traditional micro-economies.
- This presents a challenge for the ISA, as it must ensure that solar projects do not harm vulnerable ecosystems, especially since the ISA's foundation is based on addressing climate change.
Way Forward
The ISA's plan of a future with abundant and equitable energy is inspiring, however, it must overcome complex challenges such as geopolitical tensions, financial barriers, and environmental issues.
The ISA can address its challenges by promoting transparent, multi-stakeholder dialogues, standardizing solar technology policies, and establishing financial mechanisms for equitable distribution.
It should work to reduce dependence on a single country for solar technology by encouraging diverse investment sources and prioritizing environmental sustainability in land acquisitions. By doing so, the ISA can help achieve energy equity and build a more resilient solar energy market.
Its success will be determined by how effectively it can address the challenges while ensuring energy justice through bottom-up approaches and collaborative solutions.
Must Read Articles:
INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE
INDIA’S SOLAR POWER: AN OVERVIEW
Source:
Indian Express
PIB
ENERGY REVIEW
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PRACTICE QUESTION
Q.Critically analyze the role of the International Solar Alliance in addressing the imbalances in global solar energy deployment. (150 words)
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