- Answer:
The International Solar Alliance (ISA), launched at COP-21 (Paris, 2015) by India and France, is a member-driven, action-oriented intergovernmental organization. With a particular focus on the Global South, ISA seeks to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and address the energy inequity prevalent in developing nations.
Role of ISA in Advancing Global Solar Adoption:
Ambitious Goals: “Towards 1000” Strategy:
- Install 1000 GW of solar capacity globally by 2030.
- Mobilize USD 1 trillion in solar investments.
- Provide clean energy to 1 billion people.
- Avoid 1 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
Focus on the Global South:
- Targets low-income countries, SIDS (Small Island Developing States) and least developed nations lacking infrastructure or capital.
- Voice of Global South Summit (2024) hosted by India amplified Southern concerns in energy equity through ISA.
Four-Pillar Strategy:
- Analytics & Advocacy: Data sharing, impact assessments, and global awareness.
- Capacity Building: e.g., ISA Solar Fellowships, STAR C Centres.
- Programmatic Support: Support for country-level solar deployment.
- Readiness and Enabling Activities: Pre-project development, policy reforms.
Major Initiatives of ISA:
- STAR C: Promotes regional solar training hubs for developing nations.
- PM-KUSUM (India): Scales agricultural solar pumping—model for other nations.
- One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG): A vision for transnational solar grids.
- Solar mini-grids: For last-mile energy access in Africa and South Asia.
- ITEC Programme: Training for over 130+ candidates from 25 countries.
India’s Leadership in ISA:
Scaling up India’s domestic success:
- India achieved 108 GW solar capacity by April 2024—nearly one-third of all solar additions in the Global South.
- Tariffs reduced by 69% from 2014–2024 due to policy stability, transparent auctions, and domestic manufacturing (25 GW capacity).
Championing South-South Cooperation:
- Advocates for the African Union, LDCs, and climate-vulnerable nations on international platforms (e.g., G20, COP, CEM).
- Provides solar technologies, training, and funding models rooted in inclusive access to developing countries under ITEC program.
Foreign Policy Leverage:
- ISA enhances India’s soft power and positions it as a leader in global renewable energy governance.
- It aligns with Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam diplomacy.
Bridging Global North–South Divide:
- India acts as a bridge nation, advocating for equitable technology transfers, concessional finance, and capacity building of global south with the support of developed countries.
Challenges Facing the ISA:
Financing & Implementation Gaps:
- Mobilizing $1 trillion by 2030 remains a challenge due to limited public-private collaboration.
- Only 11 of 50 solar parks in India were completed by 2023 due to land, regulation, and cost issues.
Technological & Infrastructure Constraints:
- Grid integration, intermittency of solar power, and lack of energy storage impede widespread adoption. For Example, Off-grid areas struggle to integrate renewable sources with existing systems.
Global Solar Supply Chain Dependence:
- China controls 80% of the global solar supply chain, limiting ISA’s autonomy and energy justice goals.
Limited Membership Participation:
- Although open to all UN members since 2020, membership growth is slow and policy alignment is fragmented.
Way Forward:
Expand Membership & Deepen Engagement:
- Focus on recruiting countries in Latin America, Central Asia, and the Pacific.
Build Financial Mechanisms:
- Facilitate access to Green Climate Fund, blended finance tools, and insurance-backed solar bonds.
Institutionalize Standardization:
- Promote standardized Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and solar auction templates to lower risks for investors.
Promote Localized Innovation:
- Encourage decentralized solar models, such as SOLShare (Bangladesh) and Surya Nutan (India), with community ownership.
Invest in R&D Collaboration:
- Pool global knowledge and establish South-South research clusters.
Conclusion:
The ISA stands as a pioneering multilateral initiative aimed at democratizing solar energy and bridging the energy divide. India’s leadership, backed by political commitment, institutional innovation, and a moral vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, has not only positioned it at the helm of a new energy order but also provided a blueprint for equitable and sustainable energy governance.
‘+1’ value addition:
- Case studies:
- Kayamkulam Floating Solar Plant, Kerala: Utilizes water bodies, addresses land issues.
- Canal-top Solar (Gujarat): Saves land and reduces evaporation.
- SOLshare (Bangladesh): Peer-to-peer solar electricity trading via ICT.
- North Sea 1 (Netherlands): First offshore solar sea farm.
- As the world stares at a projected 2.4°C temperature rise, ISA’s success could define whether the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement remains viable.
- India’s other initiatives like the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre and the Global Bio-Fuel Alliance demonstrates India’s capability in shaping new discourses on global renewable energy.
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040
