International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly - 8th Session
Context:
The Hon'ble President of India addressed the inaugural session of the Eighth Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly in New Delhi
About the International Solar Alliance (ISA)
The ISA was launched jointly by India and France during the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) in Paris in 2015.
Its Founding Conference was held in 2018 in New Delhi
The ISA now counts 125 Member and Signatory Countries
It represents a significant step towards addressing the global challenge of climate change by encouraging the adoption and use of solar energy
The ISA stands as a symbol of humanity's shared aspiration to harness solar energy as a source of inclusion, dignity, and collective prosperity.
Key Initiatives Launched at the 8th Assembly: The session marked a shift for the ISA from advocacy to implementation with the launch of several new programmes:
SUNRISE (Solar Upcycling Network for Recycling, Innovation & Stakeholder Engagement):
A platform to connect governments, industries, and innovators to unlock the value embedded in solar waste.
One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG):
A dedicated initiative to drive cross-border solar grid interconnections.
Global Capability Centre (GCC):
It is envisioned as a Silicon Valley for Solar in India
It will be a hub-and-spoke network connecting national research and training institutions.
SIDS Procurement Platform:
An in-principle platform developed jointly with the World Bank for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Solar for She Initiative
This is an initiative to empower women through strategic interventions in areas such as policies, financing, and skilling
The President noted that across India and many Member Countries, women are becoming solar engineers, entrepreneurs, and trainers
Their leadership ensures that solar energy not only reduces carbon footprints but also breaks gender barriers.
India's Progress in the Renewable Energy Sector
India ranks
Fourth in renewable energy installed capacity.The country's installed solar capacity has crossed 120 Gigawatts
Fourth in wind power
Third in solar power generation
This progress is an important step in achieving India's long-term goal of reaching 500 Gigawatts of non-fossil capacity by 2030.