The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is hosting its seventh Assembly session here in the Indian capital with ministers from 29 countries.
As a coalition of 120 Member and Signatory countries, ISA has been at the forefront of mobilizing resources and facilitating the deployment of solar projects worldwide, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). ISA’s completion of 21 out of 27 demonstration projects is a testament to our collective ability to make significant strides in solar energy deployment and support sustainable development across the globe, a feat that we can all take pride in.
Highlights of the critical interventions of ISA, which are globally pushing the solar agenda:
The Solar Data Portal, a platform that delivers real-time data on solar resources, project performance, and investment opportunities across countries, transforms how governments, investors, and developers engage with solar projects by providing transparent and actionable insights.
The Global Solar Facility aims to unlock commercial capital for solar projects in underserved regions, especially Africa. A pilot project is underway in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and commitments of USD 39 million from India, ISA, Bloomberg, and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation are on track to be operationalized by COP29.
In addition, the SolarX Startup Challenge has successfully identified and supported innovative, scalable solutions for the solar sector. The 2024 edition announced 30 winners from the Asia and Pacific region, including India, a testament to the promising future of solar innovation. Preparations are underway to host the Third Edition of the challenge for the Latin America and Caribbean region, further fueling our optimism for the sector’s growth.
The monthly ISA Knowledge Series and the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre, launched at the G20 Ministerial, are advancing solar energy research and development. These initiatives are expanding knowledge-sharing and advocacy, paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future in the solar energy sector.
Global events like the International Solar Festival, CEO Caucus, and the ISA pavilion ‘Solar Hub’ at the Conference of Parties since COP27 have encouraged global participation and advocacy for solar as a preferred energy source. These events have been instrumental in raising awareness about the benefits of solar energy, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and promoting the adoption of solar technologies worldwide.
The Assembly will also consider the budgets and work plans for the coming year and include updates on ISA’s priority areas of work, programs, and projects. An important topic of discussion will be the guidelines for the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme, which provides for 10% to 35 % of the total solar project cost to be given as a grant for developing solar projects in LDCs and SIDS identified by the countries themselves, provided 90% of the project cost is locked in. Proposals from countries will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis until the annual budget provisions of ISA USD 1.5 million per year are available. The VGF can be availed for solar projects set up by government/government institutions or independent developers/beneficiaries selected through a process per the respective country policies.
The Assembly will be followed by a day-long High-Level Technology Conference on Clean Technologies, which will witness the launch of the third edition of ISA’s flagship report series on technology, investment, and market—the World Solar Reports. The Assembly proceedings will culminate on 6 November 2024 with delegates marking a visit to a farm site in NCT of Delhi to witness first-hand the practical implementation of the agrivoltaic system, which entails using the same land for solar energy production and agriculture.
About the ISA Assembly:
The Assembly is ISA’s yearly apex decision-making body, representing each Member Country. This body makes decisions concerning the implementation of the ISA’s Framework Agreement and coordinated actions to be taken to achieve its objective. The Assembly meets annually at the ministerial level at the ISA’s seat. It assesses the aggregate effect of the programs and other activities in terms of deployment of solar energy, performance, reliability, cost, and scale of finance. The Sixth Assembly of the ISA is deliberating on the key initiatives of ISA on three critical issues: energy access, energy security, and energy transition.
About the Demonstration Projects:
In May 2020, ISA initiated Demonstration Projects to meet the needs of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Development States (SIDS). The aim was to exhibit solar technology applications that can be scaled up and build the capacity of Member Countries to replicate these solar-powered solutions.
- Bhutan: Solar cold storage at the National Post Harvest Centre in Paro
- Burkina Faso: Solarisation of two primary healthcare centers in the rural communes of Louda and Korsimoro in the north center region
- Cambodia: Solarisation of primary and secondary schools in Koh Rong city
- Cuba: Solar water pumping system at the Hatuey Indian Experimental Station (EEIH) in Perico, Matanzas
- Djibouti: Installation of two off-grid solar-powered cold storage units in Omar Jaga’a in the Arta region and Dougoum village in the Tadjourah region
- Ethiopia: Solar-powered water pumps in Gedeo Zone, Irgachefe Woreda community
- Mauritius: Solarisation of the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Rose Belle
- Samoa: Solar street lights implemented across 46 locations
- Senegal: Solar cold storage in the Borough of Ndande, within the Municipality of Theippe in the Kebemer Department
- The Gambia: Solar water pumping systems in Wassadou and Julangel
- Tonga: Solar water pumping project in four villages on Tongatapu
About the STAR-Centre Initiative:
Solar Technology Application Resource-Centre (STAR-C) has specialized training facilities, tools, and structured learning modules to cultivate a highly skilled solar workforce. To date, ISA has successfully established and operationalized STAR Centers in seven countries: Ethiopia, Somalia, Cuba, Côte d’Ivoire, Kiribati, Ghana, and Bangladesh. Since their launch, these centers have trained professionals in various aspects of solar energy, preparing them to contribute effectively to the sector’s rapid expansion.
About the International Solar Alliance:
The International Solar Alliance is an international organization with 120 Member and Signatory countries. It works with governments to improve energy access and security worldwide and promote solar power as a sustainable transition to a carbon-neutral future. ISA’s mission is to unlock US$1 trillion of investments in solar by 2030 while reducing the cost of the technology and its financing. It promotes the use of solar energy in the agriculture, health, transport, and power generation sectors.
ISA Member Countries are driving change by enacting policies and regulations, sharing best practices, agreeing on common standards, and mobilizing investments. Through this work, ISA has identified, designed, and tested new business models for solar projects; supported governments to make their energy legislation and policies solar-friendly through Ease of Doing Solar analytics and advisory; pooled demand for solar technology from different countries; and drove down costs; improved access to finance by reducing the risks and making the sector more attractive to private investment; increased access to solar training, data and insights for solar engineers and energy policymakers. With advocacy for solar-powered solutions, ISA aims to transform lives, bring clean, reliable, and affordable energy to communities worldwide, fuel sustainable growth, and improve quality of life.
With the signing and ratification of the ISA Framework Agreement by 15 countries on 6 December 2017, ISA became the first international intergovernmental organization to be headquartered in India. ISA is partnering with multilateral development banks (MDBs), development financial institutions (DFIs), private and public sector organizations, civil society, and other international institutions to deploy cost-effective and transformational solutions through solar energy, especially in the least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Reference: PIB
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