India re-elected President of International Solar Alliance amid global solar energy push

France named Co-President as ISA sets ambitious $1 tn investment goal by 2030

India has been re-elected as President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for the term 2024 to 2026, with France elected as Co-President during the General Assembly held at Bharat Mandapam on Monday.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announced India’s re-election at a press conference, emphasizing the significance of this achievement as a recognition of India’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s leadership to promote solar energy globally.

“This election is a testament to the impactful work India has been doing to advance solar energy adoption and boost investments in vital projects, including mini-grids and healthcare solutions,” Joshi stated.

India was the sole candidate for the presidency, while the Co-Presidency saw competition between France and Grenada, with France ultimately securing the position. Joshi expressed optimism about the collaboration between India, France, and member countries to elevate their collective ambitions, aiming to harness solar energy like never before.

The ISA’s objective is to mobilize $1 trillion in investments for solar energy solutions by 2030 as part of its 1000 strategy. “This fresh election provides India and France an opportunity to build on the solid work already accomplished and accelerate our mission toward sustainability,” Joshi added.

The Assembly also elected eight Vice Presidents from the ISA’s four geographical regions: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, Ashish Khanna was named the Director General Designate, set to take office in March 2025 after the current Director General, Dr. Ajay Mathur, completes his tenure.

Since 2020, the ISA has initiated Demonstration Projects aimed at meeting the needs of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). To date, 11 projects showcasing scalable solar technology applications have been dedicated to various countries, including Bhutan, Burkina Faso, and Cuba. The ISA remains committed to supporting governments in scaling up solar energy projects and enhancing the quality of life for their citizens.

Recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce for the effective adoption of solar technologies, the ISA launched the STAR-C initiative to establish Solar Technology Application Resource Centres (STAR-Centres) in collaboration with France. These centers, equipped with training facilities and resources, aim to develop a skilled solar workforce. Currently, STAR Centers have been established in seven countries, training thousands of professionals to contribute to the solar sector’s growth.

The Assembly will also address significant matters, including work plans for the upcoming year and updates on ISA’s priority projects. A critical discussion point will be the guidelines for Viability Gap Funding, as the ISA continues to focus on advancing solar energy initiatives worldwide.

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