International Solar Alliance, Spain Becomes 99th Member of ISA

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In a significant stride towards global solar energy collaboration, Spain has officially become the 99th member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Know all about the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in this article.

Spain Becomes 99th Member of International Solar Alliance

Spain officially joins the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as its 99th member, symbolizing a collective commitment to solar energy initiatives. The ratification was exchanged during a meeting in New Delhi between Spain’s Ambassador to India and a representative from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. With 116 countries having signed the ISA Framework Agreement, and 94 having ratified it, Spain’s entry underscores the alliance’s mission to drive solar energy deployment for sustainable development and climate action.

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a treaty-based intergovernmental organisation launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Former President François Hollande of France. ISA’s mission is to provide a dedicated platform for cooperation among solar resource-rich countries and the wider global community – including bilateral and multilateral organisations, industry, and other stakeholders – to support the increasing use of solar energy.

Member Nations

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) comprises member nations committed to advancing solar energy initiatives globally. As of now, there are 99 member countries in the ISA. Some of these member nations include:

India
France
Spain
Panama
United States
United Kingdom
Australia
Germany
Japan
Brazil

And many more. Each member nation contributes to the ISA’s mission of promoting solar energy deployment for sustainable development and combating climate change.

Objectives of International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Develop integrated solar or solar hybrid-based cold chain solutions that bring economic value to farmers and producers, and include the post-harvest in-field technologies that can secure an extended shelf-life of perishable items
Encourage the use of sustainable, low global warming potential solar-based cooling technologies through financing and incentives for small- and medium-sized farms
Promote applied research and industry engagement to introduce affordable refrigeration solutions for small- and medium-sized producers with special emphasis on post-harvest processing facilities and transportation.

Important Projects of International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Project	Description
One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG)	Focuses on creating a global ecosystem of interconnected renewable energy resources, primarily solar energy, to enable seamless sharing. Aims to ensure continuous access to solar energy across the globe, with economic benefits shared globally. Initiated under the World Bank’s technical assistance program.
ISA Solar Technology and Application Resource Centre (ISTAR C)	Establishes a network of technical training, entrepreneurship, research, and innovation centers to exchange best practices, promote knowledge dissemination, and build capacity. Aims to standardize solar applications regionally, facilitate collaborative research and development among member countries.
Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Scheme	Supports ISA by providing solar energy training to master trainers through the ITEC Scheme. Training duration is 21 days, fully funded by the Government of India. In 2018-2019, 133 candidates from 25 countries received training at the National Institute of Solar Energy, Gurugram.

Significance of International Solar Alliance (ISA)

ISA promotes global adoption of solar energy, crucial for combating climate change.
It fosters international cooperation, facilitating dialogue and collaboration among member countries.
Through initiatives like OSOWOG, it enables the sharing of renewable energy resources across borders.
ISA drives economic development by attracting investment, fostering innovation, and creating jobs in the renewable energy sector.
It enhances energy access and security, particularly in remote and underserved regions.
ISA facilitates capacity building, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer to advance solar energy solutions worldwide.

Challenges for International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Financial constraints hinder project implementation, especially in developing nations.
Policy disparities across member countries impede uniform solar energy deployment.
Uneven access to advanced technology and expertise poses challenges.
Inadequate infrastructure, like transmission lines, limits efficient energy distribution.
Capacity building is essential to address skill gaps and institutional needs.
Geopolitical tensions can affect international cooperation within ISA.
Climate-related risks, such as extreme weather events, impact solar infrastructure.
Public awareness and stakeholder engagement are crucial for project success.

Way Forward

To overcome challenges, ISA should focus on innovative financing mechanisms, harmonizing policies, and facilitating technology transfer. Strengthening infrastructure and capacity building is essential for sustainable growth. Diplomatic efforts to navigate geopolitical tensions are crucial. Climate resilience strategies should be integrated into project planning. Additionally, fostering public awareness and stakeholder engagement will enhance project acceptance and support. By pursuing these strategies, ISA can advance its mission of promoting solar energy deployment and contribute significantly to global sustainable development goals.

International Solar Alliance FAQs

Where is the headquarter of ISA?

In January 2016, Narendra Modi, and the then French President François Hollande jointly laid the foundation stone of the ISA Headquarters and inaugurated the interim Secretariat at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) in Gwal Pahari, Gurugram, India.

What is the slogan of the International Solar Alliance?

International Solar Alliance: The Sun Never Sets.

Who launched the International Solar Alliance?

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an initiative proposed by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was launched by him at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris along with the President of France. It was launched on 30th November 2015.