International Solar Alliance (ISA):

Nepal has become the 101st country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a full member.

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a global alliance of solar resource-rich countries lying between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. It was launched at the Paris Climate Conference (COP21) in 2015 by India and France.

Members:

• 101 countries have signed and ratified the ISA Framework Agreement:
• 119 countries have signed the ISA Framework Agreement:
• These members represent a diverse range of countries, including developing nations, developed economies, and emerging markets.
• Headquarters:
• The ISA’s headquarters is located in Gurugram, India.

Functions:

Promoting solar energy adoption: The ISA aims to promote the adoption of solar energy technologies and applications in its member countries.

Facilitating cooperation: The alliance facilitates cooperation among its members in various aspects of solar energy, including research, development, deployment, and finance.

Providing technical and financial assistance: The ISA provides technical and financial assistance to its members to help them develop and implement solar energy projects.

Advocating for favorable policies: The ISA advocates for favorable policies and regulatory frameworks that support the growth of solar energy.

Building capacity: The ISA helps to build capacity in its member countries through training programs, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building initiatives.

Key Initiatives:

• Affordable Solar Power: Focusing on scaling solar power deployment, particularly in developing countries, to make solar energy more affordable.
• Solar Finance: Mobilizing funds for large-scale solar energy projects, such as solar parks and rooftop solar installations.
• Scaling Solar Applications: Developing solar applications in diverse sectors like agriculture, health, and education, especially in rural areas.

5. Strategic Significance:

• Climate Change Mitigation: Solar energy plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and combating global warming.
• Energy Security: The alliance seeks to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thus ensuring energy security, especially in countries that lack significant fossil fuel resources.
• South-South Cooperation: It emphasizes cooperation among developing countries in the tropical region to harness solar energy for sustainable development.

6. India’s Role:

• Leadership: India has taken a leading role in promoting the ISA, given its significant solar potential and commitment to renewable energy targets.
• Commitment: As part of its commitment to the Paris Agreement, India aims to increase its solar energy capacity, targeting 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with a significant portion from solar power.

7. Achievements:

• Global Platform for Solar Energy: ISA has emerged as a key platform for international collaboration on solar energy.
• Partnerships with Financial Institutions: The ISA has partnered with institutions like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) to finance solar projects globally.

8. Challenges:

• Financial Mobilization: Large-scale solar projects require significant financial investments, and mobilizing funds, especially in developing countries, remains a challenge.
• Technological Barriers: While solar technology is advancing, its high initial cost and maintenance, especially in underdeveloped regions, can be an obstacle.
• Grid Integration: Integrating solar energy into existing grids, ensuring reliability, and managing intermittency issues also present technical challenges.

9. Recent Developments:

• Global Solar Grid Initiative: ISA is working on creating a global solar grid under the One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative, aimed at connecting solar energy across borders.