International Solar Alliance (ISA)

 

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

About:

Q     The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies.

Q     Its basic motive is to facilitate energy access, ensure energy security, and drive energy transition in its member countries.

Q     The ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France to mobilize efforts against climate change through deployment of solar energy solutions.

Objectives of the International Solar Alliance

Q     The objective of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) is to mobilize more than USD 1000 billion of investment needed by 2030 for the massive deployment of solar energy.

Q     It also aims to scale up solar energy and lower the cost of solar power generation through the aggregation of demand for solar finance, technologies, innovation, research and development, and capacity building.

Q     ISA promotes the use of solar energy in various sectors such as Agriculture, Health, Transport and Power Generation.

Q     The member countries of ISA are driving change by formulating policies and regulations, sharing best practices, agreeing on common standards, and mobilising investments.

Vision:

Q     Let us together make the sun brighter.

Mission:

Q     Every home, no matter how far away, will have a light at home.

 

Structure of the International Solar Alliance (ISA):

Q     The ISA Assembly is the highest decision-making body. It has representatives from all member countries.

Q     It is concerned with the accomplishment of ISA objectives, its operation, approval of the operational budget, evaluation of programme implementation, and overall impact.

Q     The ISA Secretariat is headed by the Director-General, who is appointed for a 4-year term.

Q     The current Director-General is Ajay Mathur IAS.

Q     The Secretariat has to assist members of ISA with the implementation of each programme by providing technical and financial guidance and support.

Q     India is the Chair of the Standing Committee, and France is the co-chair.

Headquarters:

Q     The Headquarters is in India with its Interim Secretariat being set up in Gurugram.

 

Member Nations:

Q     A total of 106 countries have signed the ISA Framework Agreement.

Q     Out of 106 nations, 86 have signed and ratified the ISA Framework Agreement.

Q     All member states of the United Nations are eligible to join the ISA.

Observer Status:

Q     The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has granted Observer Status to the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Q     It will help provide for regular and well-defined cooperation between the Alliance and the United Nations that would benefit global energy growth and development.

Funding for International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Q     The business sector has agreed to give $500 million, while the government has agreed to contribute another $500 million. This ensures ISA’s long-term financial viability.

Q     ISA has the potential to popularize innovative financial mechanisms, such as masala bonds and green solar bonds, that are now popular in India for raising low-cost capital in other countries.