International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Why in News?

Recently, the Energy Department of Rajasthan signed a ‘Framework for Act for Action’ with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to strengthen solar energy expansion, transmission and distribution across the state. The agreement highlights the growing role of ISA in promoting global solar cooperation and accelerating the clean energy transition.

Introduction

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is the world's first treaty-based intergovernmental organisation dedicated exclusively to promoting solar energy. It was jointly launched by India and France on the sidelines of the 21st Conference of Parties (COP-21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris in 2015. The alliance was conceived with the objective of mobilising collective efforts among countries located between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, where solar radiation is abundant. However, following the amendment of its Framework Agreement in 2020, membership was opened to all United Nations member states, making ISA a truly global organisation.

Unlike conventional international organisations that primarily formulate policies, ISA is an action-oriented and member-driven platform that seeks to promote the large-scale deployment of solar technologies through financial support, capacity building, technology transfer and institutional cooperation. With its headquarters at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Gurugram, ISA has emerged as one of India's most significant diplomatic initiatives in the field of renewable energy and climate governance.

Objectives of the International Solar Alliance

The International Solar Alliance was established with the broader objective of making solar energy affordable, accessible and sustainable across the globe. Its long-term vision is reflected in the 'Towards 1000 Strategy', which seeks to transform the global solar ecosystem by 2030.

The major objectives include:

• Mobilising USD 1 trillion in investments for solar energy deployment.
• Facilitating the installation of 1,000 GW of solar energy capacity globally.
• Providing clean energy access to one billion people, particularly in developing countries.
• Helping reduce nearly 1,000 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
• Promoting affordable financing mechanisms for solar projects.
• Encouraging research, innovation and technology transfer in solar energy.
• Supporting capacity building and institutional development in member countries.
• Making solar energy a mainstream source of electricity across the world.

ISA functions under the vision of "Let us together make the sun brighter" and the mission that "Every home, no matter how far away, will have a light at home."

Governance Structure of ISA

The governance framework of ISA has been designed to ensure effective participation of all member countries while maintaining institutional accountability.

The ISA Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the organisation. It comprises representatives from all member countries and is responsible for approving the budget, selecting the Director General, adopting policies and determining the overall direction of the alliance. The first ISA Assembly was held in Greater Noida, India, in 2018.

The Steering Committee provides strategic guidance to the organisation, reviews programme implementation and recommends policy measures for consideration by the Assembly.

The ISA Secretariat, headquartered at Gurugram, serves as the executive arm of the organisation. It is headed by the Director General, who is elected for a four-year term and is eligible for re-election. The Secretariat coordinates programmes, manages partnerships and implements the decisions taken by the Assembly.

Major Programmes and Initiatives of ISA

Over the years, ISA has launched several initiatives aimed at improving solar energy adoption across member countries.

The Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) initiative focuses on developing technical capacity and strengthening institutions in developing countries. These centres function as regional knowledge hubs for training, research and technology dissemination.

Through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, India provides specialised training to professionals from ISA member countries in areas such as solar project development, installation and maintenance.

The ISA Solar Fellowship Programme supports mid-career professionals from member nations to pursue advanced studies in renewable energy management, thereby creating skilled human resources for future solar expansion.

One of ISA's flagship initiatives is One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG). Proposed by India in 2018, the initiative seeks to establish an interconnected global electricity grid capable of transmitting renewable energy across national boundaries. Based on the principle that "the sun never sets," the initiative aims to optimise solar power generation by connecting regions with varying daylight hours.

Apart from these, ISA promotes several sector-specific programmes relating to solar pumps, rooftop solar systems, solar mini-grids, solar street lighting, solar water heating systems and affordable financing for renewable energy projects.

Significance of ISA

For India

The International Solar Alliance has significantly strengthened India's position as a global leader in climate diplomacy and renewable energy.

By spearheading ISA, India has demonstrated its commitment towards sustainable development while enhancing its international credibility as a responsible global power. The alliance complements India's ambitious renewable energy targets and supports its objective of achieving energy security through clean energy sources.

ISA also strengthens India's soft power diplomacy by fostering South-South Cooperation and positioning the country as a technology provider and development partner for the Global South.

From an economic perspective, increased global demand for solar technologies creates opportunities for Indian manufacturers, research institutions and renewable energy companies.

For the Global Community

At the global level, ISA contributes directly to climate change mitigation by accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

It supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-7 on affordable and clean energy and advances the objectives of the Paris Agreement by promoting low-carbon development pathways.

The alliance is particularly beneficial for developing countries that face challenges such as limited financial resources, inadequate technical expertise and low energy access. Through knowledge sharing, technology transfer and innovative financing, ISA enables these countries to expand renewable energy infrastructure.

Greater use of solar energy also enhances energy security, reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, creates employment opportunities and improves environmental sustainability.

Achievements of ISA

Since its establishment, ISA has made significant progress in expanding global solar cooperation.

The organisation has witnessed rapid growth in membership, with more than 110 countries signing the Framework Agreement and a large number becoming full members after ratification.

ISA has emerged as an important platform for mobilising investments in solar infrastructure and facilitating international partnerships among governments, financial institutions and private sector organisations.

Its capacity-building programmes have trained thousands of professionals from developing countries, while initiatives such as STAR-C and ITEC have strengthened institutional capabilities in solar energy deployment.

The alliance has also contributed to promoting innovative financing mechanisms, encouraging policy reforms and increasing awareness regarding solar technologies across member countries.

The launch of OSOWOG has further expanded ISA's vision beyond national boundaries by proposing a globally interconnected renewable energy network.

Challenges Facing ISA

Despite its growing influence, ISA continues to face several operational and institutional challenges.

One of the primary constraints is limited financial resources. Achieving the ambitious target of mobilising one trillion dollars requires sustained commitments from multilateral institutions, developed countries and private investors.

Membership, although expanding, still does not include all UN member states, limiting the alliance's global reach and effectiveness.

Differences in national energy policies, regulatory frameworks and market conditions make policy harmonisation difficult across member countries.

Many developing countries continue to face challenges related to inadequate transmission infrastructure, lack of skilled manpower, limited technological capabilities and political instability, affecting project implementation.

In addition, the declining cost of solar technology has not always translated into affordable financing for poorer nations, creating barriers to widespread adoption.

Way Forward

The future success of ISA will depend upon strengthening international cooperation and addressing implementation bottlenecks.

Greater collaboration with multilateral development banks, climate finance institutions and private investors is essential to mobilise large-scale investments in renewable energy infrastructure.

Expanding membership and encouraging greater participation from developed economies can improve resource mobilisation and technological cooperation.

ISA should focus on strengthening domestic capacities in member countries through training programmes, research collaborations and technology transfer initiatives.

Developing innovative financing instruments such as blended finance, green bonds and risk guarantee mechanisms can make solar projects more attractive for investors.

The organisation should also support member countries in formulating favourable policy frameworks, improving grid infrastructure and promoting local manufacturing of solar equipment.

Finally, initiatives such as One Sun, One World, One Grid should be pursued through regional partnerships to establish interconnected renewable energy networks capable of enhancing global energy security.

Conclusion

The International Solar Alliance represents one of the most significant global initiatives in the field of renewable energy and climate governance. Conceived by India and France, it has evolved into a truly global platform that seeks to make solar energy affordable, accessible and sustainable for all. Through its emphasis on technology transfer, capacity building, investment mobilisation and international cooperation, ISA contributes not only to global decarbonisation efforts but also to sustainable development and energy security. As climate change intensifies and the world accelerates its transition towards clean energy, the International Solar Alliance is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future global energy landscape while reinforcing India's leadership in international climate diplomacy.