Image Source: The International Solar Alliance (ISA)

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) convened its seventh annual assembly in New Delhi on November 4, 2024, bringing together representatives from 120 countries, including ministers from 29 nations. India’s Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, emphasized the significant progress in solar energy, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The assembly will discuss initiatives like the Viability Gap Funding Scheme, which provides financial assistance for solar projects, and feature a visit to an agrivoltaic farm site. France's Minister of State for Development reaffirmed France's commitment to the ISA with a pledge of €1.5 billion for solar projects. Leadership elections will take place during the assembly, which aims to further global collaboration in renewable energy.

International Solar Alliance Hosts Annual Assembly with 120 Member Nations

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) kicked off its seventh annual assembly in New Delhi on November 4, 2024, uniting representatives from 120 countries, including ministers from 29 nations. This gathering aims to enhance global cooperation on renewable energy initiatives focused on combating climate change and promoting sustainable development.

A Transformative Moment for Solar Energy

In his inaugural address, India’s Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, underscored the transformative potential of solar energy. “Today, we find ourselves at a key turning point in our mission to reshape the global energy future,” he remarked. As the ISA Assembly President, Joshi highlighted the alliance's achievements in mobilizing resources for solar projects, especially in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). “Our collective commitment has resulted in 21 completed demonstration projects,” he noted.

Image Source: The International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Financial Support for Solar Projects

The assembly will address crucial initiatives, including the guidelines for the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme, which provides financial assistance for solar projects in LDCs and SIDS. This funding mechanism aims to lower barriers to solar energy deployment by offering grants that cover 10% to 35% of total project costs.

Additionally, discussions will include the launch of the third edition of ISA's flagship report series on technology and investment, along with a day-long High-Level Technology Conference on Clean Technologies. The assembly will culminate on November 6 with a field visit to an agrivoltaic farm site, demonstrating innovative practices that combine solar energy production with agriculture.

Renewed Commitment from International Partners

In a video message, France's Minister of State for Development, Thani Mohamed Soilihi, reaffirmed France's dedication to the ISA by pledging €1.5 billion for financing solar projects in member countries. He emphasized the importance of building local capacity and facilitating access to financing for developing economies.

Image Source: The International Solar Alliance (ISA)

A Vision for Global Solar Transformation

Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General of ISA, expressed optimism about the collective efforts in deploying solar energy, stating, “Our presence symbolizes our intention—to explore groundbreaking solutions and strengthen partnerships that will drive a new era of solar transformation.”

As the assembly progresses, it will also elect new leadership, including a president and co-president, and announce the selection of a new Director General, who will take office in March 2025. With the global demand for renewable energy growing, the ISA's initiatives and collaborative efforts are set to play a vital role in shaping a sustainable energy future.