International Solar Alliance (ISA), headquartered in Gurugram, is a brainchild of India since 2015, in an attempt to power the world through clean and renewable Solar energy.
Currently, 121 countries in total are contributors of ISA. Most of these are from Africa, South-east Asia, and Europe, with exceptions to Pakistan and China.
A recent commitment was made in its fourth General Assembly to achieve an ambitious target of $1 trillion global investments dedicated to solar energy by 2030.
The General Assembly was presided over by its President and the Union Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister, who vouched for an affordable and equitable access of clean energy for all:
“We have successfully done this in India, and it can be replicated globally. Solving the problem of energy access is more important than the energy transition. The energy transition is meaningless for those without energy.”
108 countries took part in the assembly, composing of its 74 Members and 34 Observers & Prospective Countries, 23 Partner Organizations and 33 Special Invitee Organizations.
The amount set aside for delivering and promoting the solar energy across its member countries will be done with Bloomberg Philanthropies.
World Resources Institute (WRI) will develop a Solar Investment Action Agenda and a Solar Investment Roadmap, only to be unveiled at COP26.
A Solar Hydrogen programme was constituted in place aiming to produce widely-available, emission free fuel at $2 per kg in comparison to $5 per kg presently, with India inviting the bids for 4 gigawatt (GW) electrolyzer capacity.
If the plans are implemented well, ISA can help power lives of nearly 800 million people worldwide.
“Solar will catalyze the world’s transition to a lower-carbon economy, being the lowest cost and most economical solution for increasing power generation capacity in countries.”
“It also has the potential to help lift no less than a billion people out of energy poverty, but only if adequate investments are mobilized and the right policy frameworks are erected”.
“ISA targets US$1 trillion of investment in solar by 2030, which would be significant in bringing the world closer to energy transitions needed.”
COP26 will also foster “One Sun, One World, One Grid” (OSOWOG) which is based on the bedrock of sustainability keeping in view the finite natural resources and hence the penultimate need for their conservation.
It is to ensure that this generation leaves enough for the future ones, simultaneously ensuring the quality of life available for present generation.
“It envisions building and scaling inter-regional energy grids to share solar energy across the globe, leveraging the differences of time zones, seasons, resources, and prices between countries and regions.”
“OSOWOG will also help decarbonize energy production, which is today the largest source of global greenhouse gas emissions”.
This will be done by transferring the surplus solar power generated in one region to feed the ones facing deficit and fulfil their electricity demands.
According to ISA’s statement: “The UK COP Presidency, the Government of India, and the Presidency of the ISA, are expected to announce this collaboration at COP26, to facilitate increased technical, financial, and research cooperation to help deliver the joint vision of the two initiatives”.
ISA and the funds sourced from the developed countries as promised:
Under the Paris Agreement (COP21) and COP25 mechanisms, the developed countries ensured Climate Finance to be driven for adaptation and mitigation measures including Energy transition (as promised earlier).
The onus has been laid by ISA on the developed countries to decide the future fate of this planet: fueled by the Renewables or by burning fossils like coal and wood.
ISA has offered to cover credit guarantees and help incubate the investments inclined to green energy in the targeted countries.
According to John Kerry, the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, present in the meet: “Solar energy is the most powerful tool that the world has in its toolkit to combat climate crisis. Building a solar powered economy won’t just slash carbon emissions, it’ll open enormous economic opportunities.”
“The ISA is unique in its focus on spreading solar to emerging economies including small island states. So, I commend the tremendous work that every country here is doing as part of the International Solar Alliance. Solar energy is critical to our collective climate goals.”