International Solar Alliance (ISA)

International Solar Alliance (ISA) : Recently, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) announced the convening of the Seventh Regional Committee Meeting (RCM) for the Asia and Pacific Region, aimed at enhancing solar collaboration under the theme: “Advancing Solar Cooperation Across a Region of Diversity and Opportunity.”

• Key Highlights : Expansion of blended finance and de-risking tools to promote large-scale solar investments.

o ISA launched its “Silicon Valley for Solar” vision via a hub-and-spoke model, STAR Centres, the SolarX Challenge, and digital platforms to boost technical capacity.

o Emphasis on Green Hydrogen, Energy Storage Systems (ESS), and Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES).

• About ISA : It is an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies as a means for bringing energy access, ensuring energy security, and driving energy transition in its member countries.

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

o It was first proposed by the PM of India in 2015 (Suryaputra ("Sons of the Sun"))

o Launched: It was conceptualized at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21), 2015.

o Headquarter: Gurugram, Haryana (India).

o Vision: “Let us together make the sun brighter”.

o Objective: Increase worldwide demand to drive down solar energy deployment costs.

- Enhance research and development, focusing on efficient storage systems.

- Advocate for standardized equipment and electricity generation processes.