International Solar Alliance (ISA)

GS 2 – International organisation 

Context: Recently, Moldova Signs the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement, furthering its commitment to promoting renewable energy.

The ISA was launched in 2015 at COP21 in Paris as a joint initiative by India and France. Its headquarters is in Gurugram, India, and the Framework Agreement came into force in 2017. After a 2020 amendment, all UN member states became eligible to join.

Mission: Guided by the ‘Towards 1000’ strategy, ISA aims to:

1. Mobilize $1,000 billion in solar energy investments by 2030.
2. Provide energy access to 1,000 million people.
3. Install 1,000 GW of solar energy capacity.

Structure:

• ISA Assembly: The apex decision-making body oversees the implementation of the Framework Agreement.
• Membership: 104 member countries and 16 signatory countries.

Significance:

• Promotes sustainable, low-emission solar energy solutions.
• Reduces 1,000 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
• Strengthens India’s leadership in clean energy and aids global net-zero goals.
• Facilitates a global solar market with lower costs and collaborative development.

Key Initiatives:

• Scaling Solar Applications for Agricultural Use (SSAAU): Supports solar-powered water pumps for farming.
• ISA CARES: Provides solar solutions for healthcare in low-income countries.
• Solarizing Heating and Cooling Systems: Addresses energy demands in residential, industrial, and commercial sectors.
• Global Solar Facility: Launched at COP27 to drive investments in underserved regions, especially in Africa.