India leads global solar push with ISA presidency

India has been re-elected president of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for 2024-2026, with France as co-president. Under this leadership, ISA aims to mobilize US$ 1 trillion in solar investments by 2030. India’s renewable energy progress includes 90 GW of solar capacity and initiatives like PM Kusum to empower rural areas with solar-powered irrigation, aligning with ISA’s global solar goals.

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India has been re-elected as the president of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for the 2024-2026 term, with France continuing in the role of co-president.

“India’s election to the President’s post shows the substantial and impactful work the country has been doing over the years in advancing solar energy adoption across the globe and boosting investment in essential solar projects, including mini-grids and healthcare solutions,” stated Pralhad Joshi, the Minister of New and Renewable Energy, at the seventh ISA annual assembly session on Monday.

The ISA, comprising 120 member and signatory countries, is focused on unlocking US$ 1 trillion in solar energy investments by 2030, with an emphasis on reducing both technology and financing costs.

Joshi highlighted India’s advancements in the solar energy sector, noting the country has “one of the best schemes globally for solar rooftop installation and solar-powered irrigation.”

“We are empowering the communities to generate their own renewable energy. In fact, the PM Kusum scheme is already transforming the rural landscape, enabling the farmers to irrigate with solar power and sell surplus energy,” he added.

He also pointed out that India’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme is bolstering domestic solar manufacturing with a robust, self-sufficient supply chain. Joshi emphasized that India’s commitment to progress aligns closely with ISA’s objectives.

According to Joshi, ISA has led efforts to mobilize resources and promote solar projects globally, particularly in the least developed countries and small island developing states.

India reached a milestone of 90 GW in installed solar capacity as of October, advancing towards its larger goal of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Joshi further mentioned that India has approved 50 solar parks with a combined capacity of nearly 37.5 GW and has identified potential offshore wind energy sites to meet its 30 GW target by 2030.