Bahamas Joins International Solar Alliance: 116th Member

BAHAMAS JOINS INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE AS 116TH MEMBER

WHY IN THE NEWS ?

The Bahamas has joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as its 116th member. Its High Commissioner, Peter Nicholas Symonette Jr., formally handed over the Instrument of Accession to the ISA Framework Agreement during the Ninth Session of the ISA Assembly in New Delhi.

BAHAMAS JOINS INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE AS 116TH MEMBER

BAHAMAS BECOMES 116TH ISA MEMBER:

  • New Membership: The Bahamas has officially become the 116th member country of the International Solar Alliance, expanding the alliance’s global membership.
  • Formal Accession: The Bahamas’ High Commissioner, Peter Nicholas Symonette Jr., handed over the Instrument of Accession to the ISA Framework Agreement.
  • Indian Representative: The document was received by P.S. Gangadhar, Joint Secretary, Economic Diplomacy and Head of Depository.
  • Event: The accession took place on the sidelines of the Ninth Session of the ISA Assembly in New Delhi.
  • Diplomatic Significance: The development strengthens international cooperation in solar energy and reflects growing participation in multilateral clean-energy initiatives.
  • Global Outreach: The Bahamas’ membership expands ISA’s presence in the Caribbean region, where solar energy can support energy diversification and resilience.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MEMBERSHIP FOR CLEAN ENERGY

  • Renewable Energy Transition: Membership can facilitate greater cooperation in promoting solar power as a sustainable and low-carbon energy source.
  • Energy Security: Solar energy can help countries reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and diversify their energy mix.
  • Climate Action: Wider adoption of solar power supports efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve climate commitments.
  • Technology Cooperation: ISA provides a platform for sharing knowledge, mobilising investments and facilitating access to solar technologies.
  • Small Island States: For island countries such as the Bahamas, renewable energy can strengthen resilience against external energy supply disruptions and volatile fuel prices.
  • India’s Leadership: The expansion reinforces India’s role in promoting South-South cooperation, international climate diplomacy and affordable clean-energy solutions.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE (ISA):

●      Establishment: The ISA was jointly launched by India and France at the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21).

●      Headquarters: Its headquarters is located in Gurugram, Haryana, India.

●      Objective: It aims to promote solar energy deployment, particularly in countries located between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, while its membership framework has expanded beyond this original geographical focus.

●      Key Focus Areas: These include solar applications, capacity building, technology transfer, investment mobilisation and affordable financing.