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The inaugural International Solar Festival has concluded in New Delhi, marking a momentous celebration of solar energy’s transformative potential. The festival, held over the past two days, underscored the global commitment to harnessing the power of the sun for a sustainable future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who addressed the festival virtually, expressed his pride in India’s strides in solar energy. Over the past decade, India has increased its solar energy capacity by 32 times, moving closer to its target of 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. India’s achievement as the first G20 nation to meet its Paris Agreement renewable energy commitments was a focal point of the Prime Minister’s speech.

The International Solar Alliance (ISA), which organized the festival, has seen its membership soar to 100 countries, with 19 more poised to join. The ISA’s rapid expansion is seen as a significant step towards the vision of "one world, one sun," and reflects the growing global momentum towards solar energy.

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, highlighted the festival’s role in galvanizing international efforts towards a solar-powered future. He reflected on India’s historical use of solar energy and the advancements brought by modern technology.

Hosted by the International Solar Alliance, the International Solar Festival served as a crucial catalyst for advancing global solar adoption. The event concentrated on forging strategic partnerships, unlocking innovative financing mechanisms, deploying cutting-edge technology, and enhancing capacity within ISA member countries. By bringing together businesses, policymakers, and financial institutions, the festival functioned as a launchpad for transformative collaborations designed to accelerate the transition to a future powered by affordable, reliable, and sustainable solar energy.

The objectives of the festival were twofold. Firstly, it aimed to celebrate the transformative role of solar energy, showcasing how it has uplifted communities across ISA member countries and served as a vital conduit to universal energy access. Secondly, the festival sought to globalize the benefits of solar energy by reaching out to a broader audience beyond just governments. This included engaging businesses, colleges, youth, women, and communities to highlight the extensive advantages of solar energy and illustrate how various sectors have flourished as a result.

The festival featured a range of activities designed to celebrate and advance solar energy. Technical sessions led by industry experts provided valuable insights into the latest developments, while exhibition booths and experience zones at Bharat Mandapam showcased cutting-edge solar technologies and cultural exhibits. Attendees also enjoyed performances by acclaimed artists and musical concerts, adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the event.