The International Solar Alliance (ISA) launched its seventh annual Assembly session in New Delhi, with ministers and dignitaries from 29 countries among the representatives from 103 Member and 17 Signatory nations. This year’s Assembly marked significant progress in the Alliance’s mission to lead the global shift toward renewable energy, particularly through solar power.
At the inaugural ceremony, Pralhad Joshi, India’s Minister for New and Renewable Energy and President of the ISA Assembly, highlighted the global momentum building around solar energy as a sustainable energy solution. “We find ourselves at a key turning point in our mission to reshape the global energy future,” he noted, emphasising the collective achievements in deploying solar energy across Member and Signatory countries. Joshi highlighted ISA’s success in completing 21 of 27 targeted demonstration projects, which showcase how collaborative initiatives can advance sustainable energy in regions such as Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Several key initiatives were introduced at the Assembly. One of the focal points was the Solar Data Portal, which provides real-time data on solar resources, investment opportunities, and project performance. The portal aims to enhance transparency and help governments, investors, and developers make informed decisions about solar energy projects.
Additionally, the Global Solar Facility was launched to unlock commercial capital for solar projects in underserved areas, notably in Africa. A pilot project is underway in the Democratic Republic of Congo, backed by a $39 million fund from contributors including India, ISA, Bloomberg, and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation.
ISA’s 2024 SolarX Startup Challenge recognised 30 innovative solar solutions from the Asia and Pacific region, including India. ISA also announced preparations for the challenge’s expansion into Latin America and the Caribbean. To foster ongoing learning and development, the ISA Knowledge Series and the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre, recently inaugurated at the G20 Ministerial, will continue advancing research and advocacy within the solar sector.
Via a video message, France’s Minister of State for Development, Francophonie, and International Partnerships, H.E. Thani Mohamed Soilihi, reaffirmed France’s pledge of €1.5 billion to support ISA’s solar projects. France’s commitment for 2024 will focus on bolstering the STAR-C programme, financing access for developing economies, and internationalising the ISA Secretariat to increase its global reach.
Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General of ISA, welcomed the assembly with an appeal for collective action. He noted that ISA’s role as an international leader in renewable energy is the result of close cooperation among its members. “Our collective presence symbolises our intention—to explore groundbreaking solutions, exchange expertise, and strengthen partnerships,” Mathur stated.
One significant agenda item at the Assembly is the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme, which allocates grants ranging from 10% to 35% of the total cost of solar projects in LDCs and SIDS. The initiative aims to promote solar projects in these regions, with a total annual ISA budget of $1.5 million available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Assembly will also oversee the election of the President and Co-President for the 2024–2026 term, as well as announce the new Director General, who will take office in March 2025.
Following the Assembly, ISA will host a High-Level Technology Conference on Clean Technologies, where the World Solar Reports, ISA’s flagship series, will be unveiled. The conference will conclude on 6 November with a field visit to a Delhi farm where delegates will witness an agrivoltaic system in action—a model that combines solar energy production with agriculture on shared land.
This year’s Assembly signifies ISA’s ongoing commitment to propelling solar energy as a vital component in the global energy transition, especially as it works toward sustainable solutions for underserved communities worldwide.
