NEW DELHI: The 7th International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly opened on Monday in New Delhi, bringing together ministers and representatives from over 120 countries. With the urgency of climate change intensifying, the assembly underscored solar energy’s role as a primary driver of sustainable development. Global leaders highlighted collective progress and set ambitious targets for scaling solar energy worldwide, particularly in emerging markets and vulnerable regions.
Solar Energy as a Transformative Force: Achievements and Data
ISA President and India’s Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, emphasized solar energy’s evolution from a niche resource to a foundational element in the global energy mix. India, as one of ISA’s most active contributors, has set a national target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, 300 GW of which will be solar. Globally, ISA has supported 21 successful solar demonstration projects, with 27 more in progress, primarily benefiting Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Joshi noted that these projects demonstrate the transformative potential of solar energy to reduce emissions, improve energy access, and stabilize electricity costs.
The Global Solar Facility launched at the assembly provides a financial boost with commitments totaling $39 million, including contributions from India, Bloomberg, and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation. This funding is targeted at regions like Africa, where solar access remains limited. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Africa currently holds only 1% of global solar capacity despite having 60% of the world’s best solar resources. This facility and similar initiatives could help close this gap, positioning Africa as a leader in low-cost, sustainable energy solutions.
Future Forecast: Expanding Access and Reducing Costs
Analysts forecast exponential growth for solar energy in emerging markets, driven by falling costs, improving technology, and policy support. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that by 2030, global solar capacity will need to triple to meet net-zero emissions targets. As of 2024, the cost of solar has dropped by more than 80% over the past decade, making it the cheapest source of electricity in many regions. The expansion of ISA initiatives, such as the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme, which will allocate grants covering 10% to 35% of solar project costs, particularly in LDCs and SIDS, is expected to catalyze further adoption.
In addition to infrastructure investments, the SolarX Startup Challenge is fostering innovation by supporting 30 winners from the Asia-Pacific region, and it plans to expand into Latin America. These startups are expected to play a pivotal role in advancing technologies for grid integration, energy storage, and smart solar solutions, enabling more efficient solar systems that are accessible to all economic levels.
Regional Commitments and Statements from Global Leaders
Grenada’s Minister for Climate Resilience and Energy drew attention to the unique climate vulnerabilities faced by small island nations, stating: “Grenada understands the high stakes of climate change. ISA offers hope and practical solutions for vulnerable nations like ours.”This sentiment is echoed across small nations that rely on solar energy to achieve energy independence and mitigate the impact of rising energy costs due to reliance on imported fuels.
France’s Minister of State for Development, H.E. Thani Mohamed Soilihi, pledged renewed financial support, committing €1.5 billion toward ISA’s initiatives. France’s contributions will focus on expanding ISA’s STAR-C capacity-building program, facilitating financing for transitioning economies, and enhancing ISA’s global outreach. Soilihi remarked, “France’s ongoing support reflects our shared commitment to accelerating solar adoption and encouraging new partner nations to join.”
ISA Director General Dr. Ajay Mathur highlighted ISA’s mission as a global platform for policy development and investment mobilization. “Our assembly reflects a shared vision for reshaping the global energy landscape,” he stated. Dr. Mathur underscored ISA’s pivotal role in fostering cooperation, developing transparent policy frameworks, and supporting members’ long-term solar deployment strategies.
Expanding Innovation and Technology for Solar’s Future
The Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre, launched at the G20 Ministerial, showcases the growing synergy between solar energy and hydrogen technology, particularly for industrial applications. As the world’s economies shift toward decarbonization, green hydrogen powered by solar energy is gaining attention as an alternative for hard-to-abate sectors, including heavy industries and transport. With support from ISA, nations are exploring hydrogen as a complement to solar energy, setting the stage for a low-carbon economy that extends beyond power generation.
The assembly will also unveil the third edition of ISA’s World Solar Reports series, detailing solar trends in technology, investment, and global market opportunities. The report provides actionable insights for governments and investors on expanding solar adoption, aligning with IRENA’s forecast that solar energy could contribute up to 22% of the world’s electricity generation by 2050.
A Collective Path Forward: Strategic Investment and Sustainable Development
As the assembly draws to a close, ISA’s framework for 2024–2026 positions the organization as a catalyst for scaling solar energy in underserved markets. Through its Viability Gap Funding Scheme, commitment to technology advancements, and strengthened financial partnerships, ISA’s initiatives will foster sustainable growth, especially in regions historically sidelined in the energy transition.
The upcoming High-Level Technology Conference on Clean Technologies will focus on agrivoltaic systems, demonstrating the benefits of dual land use for agriculture and solar energy production, a model that could be replicated globally. This integrated approach supports both food and energy security, a critical objective for ISA as it broadens its impact in supporting member countries’ climate and economic resilience.
Solar’s Role in Achieving Net-Zero
The 7th International Solar Alliance Assembly represents a watershed moment in global solar energy progress. Leaders’ statements affirm that with sustained cooperation, policy support, and technological advancements, solar energy can power economic resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and bring reliable, affordable energy to communities worldwide. As the assembly concluded, it reinforced ISA’s mission to harness solar energy’s potential for a sustainable, equitable, and low-carbon future.
-Dr. Shahid Siddiqui; X @shahidsiddiqui
