Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance (Part 2)

The Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance was held in New Delhi on March 11, 2018. Apart from Emmanuel  Macron, President of France, and Prime Minister Modi, 21 Heads of State and Heads of Government, 6 Vice Presidents and Deputy Prime Ministers, 19 Ministers as Heads of Delegation attended the conference in addition to many other ministers who were accompanying the Heads of State and Heads of Government. 

Ten heads of multilateral banks, top representatives from UN agencies, the corporate sector (particularly in Renewable Energy), civil society, academic and research institutions and think tanks were present from India and from all over the world.

The leaders of the founding states of the International Solar Alliance adopted the Delhi Solar Agenda. The agenda re-emphasizes the determination of the ISA member states to increase the share of solar energy in their respective national energy mix to facilitate affordable financing including innovative financing mechanisms to facilitate joint research and development effort to undertake off grid solar applications for poorer and or remote communities, to enhance skills, to undertake capacity building and to strengthen ISA to become an action oriented and member driven multilateral organization.

The Prime Minister of India in his inaugural address inter-alia announced India's commitment to extend nearly US$ 1.4 billion worth of lines of credit, which will cover 27 projects in 15 countries. This initiative has been widely welcomed by the International Solar Alliance Founding States and the beneficiary countries. This is indeed one of the largest commitment to financing solar energy projects around the world.

A project preparation facility was also announced by the Prime Minister to assist our development partners towards preparation of project documentation as consultancy support. He also announced a path breaking initiative relating to solar technology mission. The focus is on development of solar technology, which is appropriate, innovative and affordable for scaling up commercially and to become genuine alternative to unsustainable energy sources. Consequently, solar technology innovation and development, including creation of a solar research and development base, is essential. The Solar Technology Mission announced by the Prime Minister envisages a national mission with international focus. 

The Prime Minister further proposed a 10-point action plan:

1.   Ensure that better and affordable solar technology is available and accessible to everyone.

2.   Increase the solar proportion in our energy mix.

3.   Encourage innovation so that solar solutions can be provided for various needs.

4.   Provide concessional financing and low-risk finance for solar projects.

5.   Develop regulatory aspects and standards in order to speed up adoption and development of solar solutions.

6.   Develop consultancy support for bankable solar projects (This is for all the developing countries.)

7.   More emphasis on greater inclusiveness and participation in our efforts.

8.   Build an extensive network of centres of excellence that can take care of the local conditions and factors.

9.   View our solar energy policy from the angle of the totality of development so that we get more and more contribution towards achievements of SDGs.

10.                 Make the ISA Secretariat strong and professional.