The International Solar Alliance (ISA) began its seventh Assembly session in New Delhi, with delegates from 29 countries in attendance. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, as Assembly President, highlighted ISA's progress in promoting solar projects, especially in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). “We are at a pivotal moment in reshaping the global energy landscape,” said Joshi, noting that 21 of ISA’s 27 demonstration projects showcasing scalable solar solutions have been completed.

ISA launched a new Solar Data Portal providing real-time information on solar resources, project performance, and investment opportunities in member countries. Additionally, the Global Solar Facility was introduced, aiming to channel commercial capital to underserved areas, particularly in Africa. A pilot project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, supported by a $39 million fund from India, ISA, Bloomberg, and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, is set to begin by COP29.

France’s Minister of State for Development, Thani Mohamed Soilihi, joined virtually, reaffirming France’s €1.5 billion commitment to ISA initiatives, with a focus on financing access and capacity-building under ISA’s STAR-C program. ISA Director General Dr Ajay Mathur underscored the Assembly’s goal to drive innovative solutions and strengthen global partnerships in solar energy.

During the session, guidelines for ISA’s Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme were reviewed, offering grants up to 35% for eligible solar projects in LDCs and SIDS. The Assembly will also hold elections for President and Co-President for the 2024-2026 term and announce a new Director General, assuming office in March 2025. The event concludes on November 6 with a high-level conference on clean technologies and a visit to a Delhi farm featuring agrivoltaic systems. (ET)