Sixth Assembly of the ISA To Be Held In New Delhi from Oct 30 -Nov 2,2023
The Sixth Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) is set to take place in New Delhi from October 30 to November 2, 2023. This prestigious event will be presided over by the President of the ISA Assembly and the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, Shri R.K. Singh. The ISA, a pivotal international initiative, was jointly launched by India and France following the COP21 summit in Paris.
Ministers, missions, and delegates from a remarkable total of 116 Member and Signatory Countries of the ISA are expected to participate in the Sixth Assembly. Furthermore, the event will welcome delegates from prospective countries, partner organizations, private sector entities, and other stakeholders committed to advancing solar energy on a global scale.
The Sixth Assembly of the ISA will be a platform for intensive discussions on ISA initiatives that have a direct impact on crucial aspects of energy, including energy access, energy security, and energy transitions. The primary areas of focus will include:
1. Universalization of Energy Access through Solar Mini-Grids
One of the central themes of the Assembly is the promotion of energy access through the widespread deployment of solar mini-grids. This approach aims to bring clean and reliable energy to underserved communities around the world.
2. Mobilizing Finance for Accelerated Solar Deployment
Financing is a key factor in scaling up solar energy projects. The Assembly will explore strategies to mobilize the necessary financial resources for the rapid deployment of solar technologies.
3. Diversifying Supply Chains and Manufacturing for Solar
The ISA recognizes the importance of diversifying supply chains and promoting local manufacturing of solar components. This not only enhances self-reliance but also contributes to job creation and economic development in member countries.
In a curtain-raiser press conference in New Delhi, Shri R. K. Singh, the Union Minister for Power, New and Renewable Energy, highlighted the unique capability of solar energy to be deployed in small-scale installations, making it the ideal solution for ensuring energy access to remote and off-grid areas. He stressed the urgency of addressing the needs of the 750 million people worldwide who do not have access to energy.
Solar energy’s rapid expansion is driven by factors such as decreasing costs, advancements in technology, and the global shift toward sustainable energy sources. Its versatility and compatibility with a wide range of applications, from residential solar panels to large-scale solar farms, make it a cornerstone of the renewable energy sector.
While solar power takes the lead in renewable energy, the minister also highlighted the essential role of hydroelectric power in energy transition. Many countries rely on hydroelectric power to meet a significant portion of their energy needs, and it has proven its reliability over decades. Hydroelectric projects, some of which date back to the 1960s and 1970s, continue to provide sustainable energy.
ISA is gearing up for a solar stocktake, which will complement the global stocktake set to take place during COP28. This initiative aligns with their goal of tripling renewable energy production and ensuring a more equitable distribution of solar investments. They have already launched the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre and have conducted training sessions in Africa to promote green hydrogen technology.
Furthermore, ISA has introduced new programs such as “Solar for She,” which focuses on empowering women in the renewable energy sector, promoting entrepreneurship, and encouraging gender diversity in the solar industry. They are also working on the Global Solar Facility and SolarX Startup Challenge to further promote solar innovation and entrepreneurship.
ISA is collaborating with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, the Asian Development Bank, and the International Solar Energy Society to host a high-level conference on New Technologies for Clean Energy Transition on November 1, 2023. This conference will address critical issues related to climate change and the deployment of solar energy.
ISA is set to release three flagship reports to provide insights into the current state of solar energy:
1.World Solar Technology Report 2023: This report will focus on solar photovoltaics (solar PV) and the remarkable advancements in crystalline silicon technology. This report will explore the dominance of crystalline silicon technology and emerging technologies like organic PV and perovskite PV.
2.World Solar Market Report 2023: This report will offer a comprehensive analysis of the solar market’s evolution, from its origins in Europe to its current leadership in the Asia-Pacific region. It will highlight the remarkable growth and changing regional dynamics in solar adoption.
3.World Solar Investment Report 2023: This report will emphasize the surge in global solar investments in 2022, exceeding $300 billion and showing a 36% increase from the previous year. The report will also stress the importance of investing in grid infrastructure, diversifying supply chains, and prioritizing emerging markets to ensure an inclusive energy transition.
The International Solar Alliance is a global organization with 109 member countries that collaborates with governments to improve energy access and security, promote solar power, and facilitate the transition to a carbon-neutral future.
ISA’s Mission to Unlock $1 Trillion in Solar Investments by 2030
ISA’s mission is to unlock $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030 while reducing the cost of solar technology and financing. Their work spans various sectors, including agriculture, health, transport, and power generation, driving change through policy development, standardization, and mobilizing investments.
The ISA boasts 124 signatories, with 94 having ratified the agreement. This level of engagement surpasses many other international energy organizations, including the International Energy Agency (IEA). The ISA is an international and intercontinental alliance that continues to grow, underscoring its significant role in driving the global energy transition.
With 96 countries already registered to participate in the upcoming Sixth ISA Assembly, including 20 ministers, and the involvement of various multilateral development banks and stakeholders, the event promises to be a key milestone in advancing solar energy on the world stage.
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