| Reference Date | Version | June 22, 2023 | 1.0 |
| Keywords | Sustainable development, Solar alliance, Clean technology, Innovation, Energy |
| Jurisdiction | India |
Expert guidance from energy legal advisors and infrastructure legal advisors is advisable to implement activities related to sustainable and green practices aligning with sustainable development goals.
Introduction
The International Solar Alliance (ISA or Alliance) was launched as a joint effort by India and France during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris (COP21) in 2015.
The initiative was first proposed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in November 2015 in the United Kingdom, where he referred to sunshine countries as Suryaputra (Sons of the Sun).
The framework agreement of ISA opened for signatures in Marrakech, Morocco, in November 2016 on the sidelines of COP22.
The alliance originally brought together 123 sunshine countries located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
ISA functions as a platform to promote and implement solar-powered energy solutions and support low-carbon growth pathways among member nations.
The Alliance particularly focuses on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
For contextual understanding, readers may also refer to our article on Growth of Solar Power in India .
The primary objective of the ISA is to encourage efficient utilization of solar energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
About ISA
The International Solar Alliance is headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, India.
In January 2016, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and former French President François Hollande jointly laid the foundation stone for the ISA headquarters and inaugurated the interim secretariat at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE).
The Government of India allocated five acres of land on the NISE campus for the headquarters and contributed USD 22 million toward development and operational expenditure.
ISA is also referred to as the International Agency for Solar Policy and Application.
Objective of ISA
The objective of ISA is to bring together nations to promote clean energy, sustainable development, climate action and public transportation powered through renewable energy.
There are currently more than 128 member nations in the alliance.
The Alliance aims to strengthen cooperation in solar energy generation and create affordable solar-powered solutions for remote and underserved regions.
The launch of ISA sent a strong global signal regarding the commitment of countries toward climate action and transition to low-carbon growth.
The tropical zone receives more direct sunlight exposure, making it ideal for solar energy utilization.
For India, ISA also strengthens diplomatic and economic ties with African and other developing nations.
India and France have encouraged member nations to facilitate solar infrastructure projects through global cooperation.
The Alliance has targeted mobilization of USD 1 trillion investments in solar energy initiatives.
ISA has also entered into collaborations with the World Bank for mobilization and financing of solar energy projects.
Member countries are spread across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Europe.
Large-scale solar generation and interconnected transmission infrastructure may eventually enable global transfer of solar energy resources between regions.
One Sun, One World, One Grid
Discussion regarding ISA would remain incomplete without reference to the “One Sun One World One Grid” (OSOWOG) initiative.
The initiative was proposed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India during the First Assembly of ISA in October 2018.
The vision behind OSOWOG is to connect energy supply across borders based on the principle that the sun never sets.
GGI – OSOWOG
The Green Grids Initiative – OSOWOG was jointly launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and the then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson during COP26 on 2 November 2021.
The initiative was announced during the “Accelerating Innovation and Clean Technology Deployment” event at the World Leaders Summit.
The “One Sun Declaration” approved by the 4th Assembly of ISA was also launched during this event.
Viewpoint
The Earth functions as a balanced and interconnected system irrespective of geographical boundaries created by humans.
Natural resources and environmental systems remain interdependent and collectively contribute toward making the planet habitable.
The primary source of energy, the Sun, is universally shared by all nations, just like wind, rain and geothermal energy resources.
Therefore, sustainable development must be viewed from a global perspective and can only be achieved through collective international cooperation and coordinated action.
Legal Support in the Technology, Infrastructure and Energy Sector
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Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Alaya Legal
