International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Why in News?

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) plans to establish 17 centres of excellence globally and a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India, envisioned as a “Silicon Valley for solar,” to boost solar research, human resource training, and innovation.

Description:

• Type: Intergovernmental organization.
• Launched: 2015 (India + France) during UNFCCC COP21, Paris.
• Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana (at National Institute of Solar Energy, NISE).
• Vision: “Let us together make the sun brighter.”
• Mission: “Every home will have a light at home.”

‘Towards 1000’ Strategy (by 2030):

1. Mobilize USD 1000 billion for solar energy.
2. Provide energy access to 1000 million people.
3. Install 1000 GW solar capacity.
4. Avoid 1000 million tonnes CO₂ emissions annually.

Objectives:

• Facilitate deployment of 1000 GW of solar capacity globally by 2030.
• Mobilize US $1 trillion+ for solar projects.
• Develop innovative financing & reduce cost of solar energy.
• Encourage R&D & capacity building.
• Make solar mainstream in energy mix.

Priority Areas:

1. Analytics & Advocacy
2. Capacity Building
3. Programmatic Support
4. Readiness & Enabling Activities

Governance Structure:

• ISA Assembly → Apex decision-making body (all members).
• Steering Committee → Strategic guidance & oversight.
• Secretariat → Administrative arm.
• Director General → Head of ISA (4 years, re-electable).

Membership:

• Initially → Countries between Tropic of Cancer & Capricorn.
• 2020 Amendment → All UN member states eligible.
• Present: 110+ signatories, ~90 full members (ratified).

Key Initiatives / Projects:

• STAR-C (Solar Technology Application Resource Centre) → Capacity building hubs.
• ITEC Scheme (India-supported training at NISE).
• ISA Solar Fellowship → For mid-career professionals.
• One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG) → India’s 2018 initiative for global solar power grid.
• Mini-grids, Solar pumps, Solar rooftops, Solar street lights, Water heaters.
• Affordable Finance at Scale → Work with Green Climate Fund, World Bank IFC, etc.

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