Environment ( international solar alliance)

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Introduction

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a global intergovernmental organization that aims to promote solar energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. It was launched as a collaborative initiative by India and France during the Paris Climate Conference (COP-21) in November 2015. ISA symbolizes India’s leadership in global renewable energy transition and its commitment to addressing climate change through clean and sustainable energy solutions.

Genesis and Objectives

• Launch: 30 November 2015, at COP-21, Paris.
• Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana, India.
• Legal Framework: ISA became a treaty-based intergovernmental organization on 6 December 2017, when its Framework Agreement came into force.
• Members: Over 120 countries are signatories, with over 110 ratifications (as of 2025).
• Membership Eligibility: Open to all UN member states who are willing to work for solar energy promotion, though initially limited to countries between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn.

Main Objectives:

1. To mobilize solar energy investments of over USD 1 trillion by 2030.
2. To reduce cost of solar power generation through technology sharing, capacity building, and innovation.
3. To facilitate energy access and energy security in developing countries.
4. To encourage R&D, standardization, and common regulatory frameworks for solar technologies.
5. To build solar capacities for off-grid and grid-connected applications in member nations.

Institutional Structure

1. Assembly: Apex decision-making body comprising representatives from all member countries. Meets annually.
2. Council: Assists the Assembly in policy and operational decisions.
3. Secretariat: Located in Gurugram, headed by a Director General (currently from India).
4. President and Vice-President: India is the permanent President; the Vice-President post rotates among other members.

Key Initiatives and Programmes

1. One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG):
• Vision of interconnected solar power grids across countries to ensure round-the-clock availability of clean energy.
• Promoted jointly by ISA, India’s MNRE, and the World Bank.
3. Global Solar Atlas:
• Provides data and maps to identify solar potential across regions.
5. Solar Finance Facility:
• Aims to mobilize low-cost financing for solar projects in developing nations.
7. Scaling Solar Applications for Agricultural Use (SSAAU):
• Promotes solar water pumps and solar-based irrigation systems to support sustainable agriculture.
9. Affordable Finance at Scale:
• Seeks to reduce the cost of solar power by leveraging international funding mechanisms.
11. Solar Mini-Grids and Rooftop Programs:
• Focuses on decentralized solar solutions for rural electrification.

Achievements

• Over $2 billion worth of solar projects mobilized across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
• Support for solarization of health centres and solar cold storage systems in least developed countries.
• Training and capacity building programs for technicians, engineers, and policymakers from over 40 nations.
• Enhanced India’s reputation as a leader in climate diplomacy and South-South cooperation.

India’s Role

• Host Nation: Headquarters and Secretariat located in India.
• Financial Support: India contributed around $27 million for ISA corpus fund and building infrastructure.
• Policy Alignment: ISA supports India’s National Solar Mission and renewable energy targets (500 GW by 2030).
• Diplomatic Platform: Strengthens India’s global image as a responsible climate actor and technology provider.

Challenges

1. Financing gaps and limited participation from private investors.
2. Technological disparities among member states.
3. Lack of grid infrastructure and cross-border energy connectivity.
4. Administrative and coordination hurdles between diverse nations.
5. Dependency on developed countries for technology transfer.

Way Forward

• Strengthen South-South and Triangular cooperation for solar projects.
• Establish global solar finance mechanisms with participation from MDBs like the World Bank, ADB, and AIIB.
• Encourage innovation, R&D, and standardization of solar technologies.
• Expand focus to energy storage, green hydrogen, and solar-based industry transition.
• Enhance capacity building and training to ensure long-term sustainability.

Conclusion

The International Solar Alliance represents a collective global effort to fight climate change through renewable energy cooperation. With India at its helm, ISA holds the potential to transform the world’s energy landscape by promoting affordable, accessible, and sustainable solar power. Its success will depend on sustained political commitment, international collaboration, and equitable technology sharing.

UPSC Keywords:

• Paris Agreement (COP-21)
• India-France initiative
• Gurugram headquarters
• One Sun, One World, One Grid
• Global Solar Finance Facility
• Renewable energy diplomacy