ISA Assembly kicks off in Delhi, launches solar data portal

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) commenced its seventh Assembly session in New Delhi with representatives from 29 countries participating. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi, serving as President of the Assembly, underscored ISA’s achievements in accelerating solar energy projects, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). “It is my great honour to stand before you at the Seventh Session of the Assembly of the ISA,” Joshi said. “Today, we find ourselves at a key turning point in our mission to reshape the global energy future,” he added, highlighting the completion of 21 out of 27 ISA demonstration projects that have showcased scalable solar solutions worldwide. The ISA unveiled the Solar Data Portal, which will offer real-time data on solar resources, project performance, and investment opportunities across member nations. Also, the Global Solar Facility, a fund aimed at bringing commercial capital to underserved regions, including Africa, was introduced. A pilot project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, backed by a commitment of $39 million from India, ISA, Bloomberg, and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, is set to operationalize by COP29. France’s Minister of State for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships, Thani Mohamed Soilihi, joined via video, reaffirming France’s €1.5 billion commitment to ISA projects. “France will continue to support the International Solar Alliance,” Soilihi stated, adding that France would focus on financing access and capacity-building initiatives under ISA’s STAR-C program. Director General of ISA, Dr. Ajay Mathur, welcomed dignitaries and noted, “Our collective presence symbolizes our intention to explore groundbreaking solutions and strengthen partnerships.” He highlighted ISA’s role as a global leader in solar energy deployment and transition. During the session, guidelines for the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme, which provides grants of up to 35% for eligible solar projects in LDCs and SIDS, were discussed. Proposals will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to the ISA’s $1.5 million annual budget. The Assembly will also see elections for the President and Co-President for the term 2024-2026 and the announcement of a new Director General, who will assume office in March 2025. The session will conclude on November 6, with a high-level conference on clean technologies, followed by a farm visit in Delhi showcasing agrivoltaic systems.