8th International Solar Alliance Assembly Begins in New Delhi

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8th International Solar Alliance Assembly Begins in New Delhi 

Analysis

1. Event Overview
   • The 8th Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly has commenced at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
   • The four-day event will witness participation from 124 countries, including over 40 Ministers representing various regions of the world.
   • The assembly aims to bring the global solar community together to enhance cooperation, review progress, and accelerate the transition toward affordable and sustainable solar energy.
2. Objectives of the Session
   • Review of progress made by member nations in scaling up solar adoption.
   • Addressing implementation challenges in financing, technology transfer, and policy frameworks.
   • Aligning collective action toward the ISA’s central vision — “Affordable solar energy for all.”
   • Enhancing partnerships among governments, private sector, and international organizations to accelerate solar deployment globally.
3. India’s Role and Achievements
   • The session reflects the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to harness solar power as a key instrument of sustainable development.
   • India has achieved 50% of its total installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, five years ahead of its national target.
   • India stands as the 3rd largest solar energy producer globally and the 2nd largest market for renewable energy growth.
   • Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, over 20 lakh households are already benefiting from rooftop solar power systems.
   • India’s leadership in ISA underscores its commitment to the Paris Climate Goals and energy transition leadership in the Global South.
4. Broader Global Significance
   • The ISA Assembly acts as a policy-making platform for advancing solar deployment in developing and energy-deficient regions.
   • It supports climate resilience, decarbonization of energy systems, and inclusive growth through clean technology.
   • Discussions at the assembly are expected to focus on climate finance, energy equity, and technological innovation.

Static & Conceptual Background

1. About the International Solar Alliance (ISA)
   • Launch: Jointly launched by India and France in 2015 at COP21 in Paris.
   • Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana, India.
   • Membership: 124 countries (member and signatory nations).
   • Objective: To mobilize over USD 1 trillion in investments for solar energy by 2030.
   • Mandate: Promote the use of solar energy across agriculture, health, transport, and power sectors, and ensure energy access and energy security globally.
2. Structure of ISA Assembly
   • The Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the ISA.
   • It meets annually to deliberate on policies, governance, and strategic directions.
   • The President of the Assembly is typically the Minister for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India.
3. Key ISA Programmes
   • Solar Pumping Programme for Agriculture
   • Affordable Finance at Scale Initiative
   • Scaling Solar Applications for Agriculture Use (SSAAU)
   • Solar Mini-Grids Initiative
   • Solar Technology and Application Resource Centres (STAR-C)
4. India’s Renewable Energy Landscape
   • India aims for 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
   • It is leading the “One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG)” initiative for intercontinental solar power sharing.
   • The country has become a model for decentralized renewable energy access, especially in rural and remote areas.
     
     Updated - October 27, 2025 9:27 AM | News On Air