International Solar Alliance Gathers to Accelerate Solar Energy Adoption and Green Transition

The Sixth Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) is set to convene in New Delhi from October 30 to November 2, 2023. This esteemed gathering presided over by Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, R.K. Singh, aims to further the ISA's objectives in the field of renewable energy and solar power.
 
Ministers, missions, and delegates from 116 Member and Signatory Countries of the ISA will participate, alongside delegates from prospective countries, partner organizations, the private sector, and various stakeholders.
 
Key topics on the agenda for the Sixth Assembly include universalising energy access through solar mini-grids, mobilizing finance for accelerated solar deployment, and diversifying supply chains and manufacturing for solar products. Solar power, known for its dependability, reliability, and year-round availability, is a crucial focus in the transition to cleaner energy sources.
 
R. K. Singh emphasised that the ISA plays a seminal role in the energy transition, particularly given its strong emphasis on solar energy. Solar power is uniquely suited to ensuring energy access, especially in remote and underserved areas, making it an essential part of the global energy transition strategy.
 
The ISA's primary role is to provide energy to countries and populations without access to reliable energy sources, aiming to reach the 750 million people currently without access to energy. To achieve this, the ISA collaborates with governments, advises on electrification using solar, helps establish regulatory frameworks, facilitates infrastructure development, and provides experts, with the ISA covering associated costs.
 
With 124 signatories, 94 of which have ratified the ISA Framework Agreement, the ISA stands as a significant organisation for advancing the global energy transition. The organisation has attracted 96 countries to participate in its Sixth Assembly, including 20 ministers and other key stakeholders.
 
The ISA's comprehensive initiatives encompass the full spectrum of solar applications and technologies, providing financial assistance for demonstration projects and promoting the availability of trained human resources. It has also launched the Virtual Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre, supporting the expansion of green hydrogen projects.
 
Additionally, the ISA is planning to perform a solar stocktake to complement the global stocktake, focusing on expanding renewable energy goals and fostering solar innovation.
 
The ISA Assembly serves as the decision-making body for the alliance, with a mission to unlock USD 1 trillion in solar investments by 2030, reduce technology costs, and promote solar energy across various sectors. The organisation strives to drive change through policy enactment, standardisation, and investments, ultimately advancing the global transition to sustainable energy solutions.
 
With 109 member countries, the ISA is poised to lead the world toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future by promoting the use of solar power and fostering collaboration among nations.