INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE (ISA)
Environment
INTRODUCTION
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a treaty‑based intergovernmental organization comprising more than 120 sunshine‑rich countries located fully or partially between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Launched jointly by India and France at COP‑21 (Paris, 2015), ISA aims to promote large‑scale solar deployment to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate global climate action.
VISION
Let us together make the sun brighter.
MISSION
Every home, no matter how remote, will have access to clean solar energy.
OBJECTIVES OF ISA
• Promote large‑scale solar energy applications across member countries.
• Mobilize USD 1000 billion in solar investments by 2030.
• Facilitate affordable financing through innovative financial instruments.
• Promote collaborative R&D, innovation, and capacity building.
• Reduce cost of solar technologies through global demand aggregation.
• Support member states in policy formulation, technology transfer, and project implementation.
SIGNIFICANCE OF ISA
• Clean & Sustainable Energy: Solar energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
• Global Leadership: ISA positions India as a leader in climate diplomacy and renewable energy advocacy.
• Energy Security: Enhances India’s ability to meet its growing energy needs sustainably.
• Electrifying the Poor: Helps address global energy poverty—especially in Africa—where 600 million people remain without electricity.
• 24×7 Solar Cyber Centre: Provides real‑time solar information, project support, and risk‑mitigation strategies to all members.
• Supports India’s INDCs: Helps India meet its climate goals—33–35% reduction in emission intensity & 40% non‑fossil electricity share by 2030.
CHALLENGES WITH ISA
• High Import Dependence: India relies heavily on Chinese solar cells and modules.
• WTO Challenges: Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) rules face disputes at WTO.
• Dumping Threat: Cheap Chinese imports hinder growth of India’s domestic manufacturing.
• Land Scarcity: High population density makes land acquisition difficult for solar parks.
• High Solar Waste: India may generate 1.8 million tonnes of solar waste by 2050.
• Technical Skill Gap: Many developing countries lack trained manpower to adopt solar technologies.
• High Capital Cost: Solar installations remain expensive for poor ISA nations.
• Administrative & Policy Delays: Slows down project implementation and financing.
WAY FORWARD FOR ISA
• Clearer communication and country‑level guidance.
• Stronger financial mechanisms—green bonds, concessional loans, climate funds.
• Focus on core goals: Demand aggregation, technical expertise, and easy financing.
• Public awareness drives on benefits of solar energy.
• Support for viable business models for rooftop, mini‑grids, and solar pumps.
• Need for robust solar waste management policy.
• Larger focus on research—especially in storage, battery technology & recycling.
ONE SUN – ONE WORLD – ONE GRID (OSOWOG)
INTRODUCTION
The OSOWOG initiative was launched at COP‑26 (Glasgow) by India and the UK. It aims to create a global interconnected renewable energy grid so that solar energy generated anywhere can be transmitted to any part of the world.
VISION
The Sun Never Sets — at any hour, solar power is available in some region of the world.
KEY FEATURES
• MNRE is preparing the institutional and implementation roadmap.
• Works through interconnected regional grids—East Asia, South Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe.
• Strongly supported by ISA, which has 67 member countries.
• Focus on efficient global sharing of surplus renewable energy.
SIGNIFICANCE OF OSOWOG
• Reduced Project Costs: Shared infrastructure reduces duplication of investment.
• Higher Efficiency: Better utilization of renewable energy assets.
• Global Investment Boost: Attracts private and institutional finance into clean energy.
• Helps Fight Global Energy Poverty: Ensures electricity access to remote regions.
• Strengthens India’s Global Leadership: Offers India a strategic leadership role in energy transition.
• Supports Climate Goals: Assists in reducing fossil fuel usage worldwide.
CHALLENGES TO OSOWOG
• Cybersecurity Threats: Highly interconnected grids are vulnerable to cyberattacks.
• Unpredictable Renewables: Solar is intermittent and may cause grid instability.
• Technical Challenges: Long‑distance transmission losses, mismatch of grid standards.
• Political Risks: Energy dependence can become a geopolitical tool during conflicts.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Difficulty in harmonizing energy laws across multiple countries.
• High Cost of Transmission Infrastructure: Undersea cables & high‑voltage systems are expensive.
WAY FORWARD
• Provide cybersecurity frameworks and emergency response protocols.
• Political negotiation mechanisms for cross‑border energy trade.
• Regional energy markets for smooth pricing and supply management.
• Encourage transparency, fair trade, and harmonized policies.
• Develop global standards for grid digitization and energy forecasting.
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Subject: Environment
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