India and France Re-Elected to Lead Solar Alliance

Why in the news?

India and France have been re-elected as president and co-president of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The announcement came during the seventh ISA Assembly, where Ashish Khanna was also appointed as the next ISA Director General.

India and France Re-Elected to Lead Solar Alliance

About India Re-elected to Lead International Solar Alliance (ISA):

  • India has been re-elected as president of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), with France re-elected as co-president, during the seventh ISA Assembly in New Delhi.
  • Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, announced that India would retain the ISA presidency until 2026, noting India’s uncontested candidacy, while France secured co-presidency in a contest with Grenada.
  • Joshi emphasised that solar energy has become a transformative force, supporting a cleaner and sustainable global path.

ISA’s Global Solar Initiatives:

  • ISA, a coalition of 120 member and signatory countries, focuses on mobilising resources and promoting solar energy deployment, especially in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
  • Under Joshi’s leadership, ISA has completed 21 out of its 27 planned demonstration solar projects, showcasing the coalition’s progress in expanding solar access worldwide.
  • These efforts underscore ISA’s role in advancing renewable energy initiatives and supporting sustainable development in vulnerable regions.

New Leadership Appointment: Ashish Khanna as Director General

  • Ashish Khanna, an energy specialist from the World Bank, was appointed as the next Director General of ISA.
  • With over 26 years of experience in energy sector development across 15 countries in South Asia, West Asia, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa, Khanna brings extensive expertise.
  • Currently leading the World Bank’s West and Central Africa program, Khanna also heads Mission 300, an initiative aimed at achieving energy access for 300 million people in Africa by 2030.

About the International Solar Alliance (ISA):

  • Launch: Established in 2015 by India and France at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris.
  • Mission: Expand global solar energy access and capacity, aiming for 1000 GW by 2030.
  • Strategy: ‘Towards 1000′ – mobilise $1000 billion in solar investments, deliver clean energy to 1000 million people, and reduce CO2 emissions by 1000 million tonnes annually.
  • Headquarters: National Institute of Solar Energy, Gurugram, India.

Governance

  • ISA Assembly: Apex decision-making body.
  • Steering Committee: Provides strategic guidance.
  • Secretariat: Implements Assembly and Committee decisions.
  • Director General: Leads ISA with a 4-year term, eligible for re-election.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times