International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Paraguay recently joined as the 100th country in the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Global Energy Transition Landscape:

• Current Challenges:
• The trajectory towards sustainable development is not aligned with the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
• Current projections suggest a moderate 4% reduction in global emissions by 2050, potentially pushing global warming to 2.4°C.
• To meet the 1.5°C limit, global emissions need to be cut by 43% within this decade.
• Solar investment required by 2030 is estimated between $1.6 - $2 trillion.

Solar Energy as a Solution:

• Advantages:
• Accessibility: Solar energy is the most versatile and accessible renewable energy source.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Features a low Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of $0.049/kWh and can produce substantial energy.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: More environmentally friendly compared to other renewables like hydropower and bioenergy.
• Decentralization: Potential for off-grid systems enhances accessibility.
• Technological Advancement: Superior technological developments compared to other renewable sources.
• Growth Rate: Solar energy has a remarkable growth rate of 21% CAGR (2015-2022), surpassing wind, bioenergy, and hydro energy.
• Future Contribution: Projected to contribute 27% to the total energy mix by 2030, requiring 3500 GW of capacity building.

Significance of ISA:

• Energy Equity and Justice: Tailors approaches for different income levels and countries, ensuring equitable access to solar technology.
• Global Solar Market Creation: Encourages large-scale deployment and collaborative development, like PM KUSUM for agriculture.
• Standardized Policies: Implements standardized procedures and agreements to build investor confidence and reduce risks.
• Collaborative R&D: Promotes pooled resources for research and development, especially in developing countries.
• Shift in India's Foreign Policy: Positions India as a leader in global sustainability, bridging gaps between Global North and South, and providing new norms in global energy governance.

Challenges for ISA:

• Coordination Issues: Member state coordination problems may hinder effective implementation of initiatives.
• Geopolitical Challenges: Dominance of China in the solar supply chain could impact energy equity.
• Private Sector Participation: Reliance on the public sector in many developing countries might limit the involvement of the private sector, affecting energy equity.
• Implementation Issues: Land acquisition problems and ecological concerns related to large-scale solar deployments. As of 2023, only 11 out of 50 sanctioned Solar Parks have been completed.
• Technical Challenges: Issues such as grid integration need addressing.

Initiatives by the International Solar Alliance (ISA)

1. One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG):

• Objective: To connect different regional grids through a unified global grid.
• Purpose: Facilitates the transfer and sharing of renewable energy across borders, enhancing the efficiency and reach of solar power.

2. Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR C):

• Objective: Focuses on capacity-building and strengthening institutional frameworks.
• Purpose: Provides resources, training, and support to enhance the technical and managerial capabilities of solar energy projects.

3. Global Solar Facility:

• Objective: To promote solar investments in underserved regions and geographies, particularly in Africa.
• Purpose: Catalyzes funding and development of solar projects, aiming to expand access to solar energy in areas with limited infrastructure.

4. Development of Large-Scale Solar Power Projects:

• Objective: Establish large-scale solar parks in clusters or groups of ISA member countries.
• Purpose: Promotes collaborative development of extensive solar power projects, leveraging economies of scale and shared resources among member nations.

5. ISA Solar Fellowship for Mid-Career Professionals:

• Objective: To enhance the skills and knowledge of professionals managing solar energy projects.
• Purpose: Provides advanced training and education to improve the management and implementation of solar initiatives.

6. International Solar Festival:

• Objective: To foster impactful global partnerships and collaborations.
• Purpose: Creates a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, showcase innovations, and build partnerships in the solar energy sector.

These initiatives collectively aim to advance the deployment and management of solar energy worldwide, strengthen global cooperation, and address the diverse needs of different regions.

Way Forward:

• Address Regional Disparities: Resolve challenges related to solar energy access and adoption costs.
• Ensure Energy Security and Equality: Focus on inclusive growth and equity in energy distribution.
• Promote Energy Equality: Scale up renewable energy while ensuring all stakeholders are included in the process.

Conclusion:

• India's initiatives, including the ISA, the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre, and the Global Bio-Fuel Alliance, highlight its role in shaping global renewable energy discourse. These efforts are rooted in the traditional Indian ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” emphasizing global unity and shared responsibility in addressing climate change.