Introduction?
In a world increasingly shaped by climate crises, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) stands out as a unique, hopeful model of global cooperation. Led by India, the ISA brings together nations—especially from the Global South—to harness the power of the sun as a clean, accessible, and affordable energy source. As countries struggle to transition away from fossil fuels, ISA has become a symbol of collective ambition, low-carbon innovation, and sustainable development. This blog explores the origin and function of ISA, its core initiatives, India’s leadership role, its global impact on climate action, and the challenges and future direction of this game-changing alliance.
What is the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an intergovernmental organization, jointly launched by India and France during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris in 2015. ISA aims to create a global platform for:
The alliance focuses primarily on tropical countries, which receive abundant sunlight throughout the year, giving them an untapped opportunity to become energy self-sufficient using clean sources.
As of mid-2024, Over 120 countries are a part of ISA. Currently, India holds the Presidency, while France remains a strategic co-leader
Key Features and Initiatives of ISA
ISA is not a symbolic or ceremonial body—it has implemented concrete programs that support countries with both policy and practice. Here are some of its most impactful pillars:
Financing Solar Development
ISA aims to mobilize $1 trillion in solar investment by 2030.
It established the Global Solar Facility in 2023 to de-risk and finance projects, especially
in Africa and Asia.
Partnerships with the World Bank and other multilateral agencies help channel low-interest
loans to solar projects.
Solar Technology Access
ISA promotes the sharing of affordable solar pumps, mini-grids, and rooftop systems.
It provides technical assistance to member countries for setting up solar parks and supply
chains.
Capacity Building & Innovation
Through the SolarX Startup Challenge, ISA identifies and funds local startups offering clean
energy solutions.
The alliance runs training programs for technicians, engineers, and policymakers, especially
in low-income countries.
One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG)
A landmark initiative led by India and supported by the ISA, OSOWOG envisions a globally
interconnected solar grid:
• Energy can be transmitted across borders and time zones
• Surplus solar energy can be shared between countries with different peak hours
• This helps reduce storage costs and optimize resource use.
India and ISA: A Solar Diplomacy Success
India’s leadership in ISA is not just symbolic—it is strategic, economic, and diplomatic.
Founding Vision
India not only conceived the ISA but also:
• Funded its headquarters in Gurugram
• Hosts its Secretariat
• Provides core technical expertise and staff
• Leads policy initiatives and global advocacy
Walking the Talk
India’s own renewable progress backs up its leadership:
• As of 2024, India has installed over 72 GW of solar capacity
• It is home to the world’s largest solar park in Bhadla, Rajasthan
• Solar now accounts for over 40% of new power generation in India
Global South Leadership
Through ISA, India has become a development partner to many African, Asian, and Caribbean
nations by:
• Supporting solar infrastructure in over 25 countries
• Providing solar-powered cold storage, water pumps, and lighting solutions in rural
areas
• Offering line of credit and training under India’s development cooperation programs
How ISA Supports Global Climate Goals
ISA is directly aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Reducing Emissions
Solar energy displaces fossil fuels, and projects supported by ISA have helped:
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by millions of tons
• Expand solar access in Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
• Improve urban and rural energy security
Energy Access
ISA has provided solar electricity to thousands of off-grid communities, especially in
Africa and small island nations. This supports:
• Night-time education
• Safer hospitals
• Better water access and sanitation
Clean Development Without Conflict
Unlike oil, coal, or gas, solar energy avoids geopolitical rivalry. The ISA promotes a
cooperative global energy transition that is:
• Non-exploitative
• Renewable
• Equity-based
Challenges Faced by ISA
While ISA has made meaningful progress, it also faces structural and financial challenges:
Limited Capital Mobilization
Although ISA aims to mobilize $1 trillion by 2030, only a small portion has been secured so
far.
Many developing nations still find solar projects unaffordable without subsidies or
concessional loans.
Technological Gaps
In remote areas, even with panels, countries may lack:
• Storage systems
• Skilled labor
• Access to global markets for solar components
Grid Integration Complexities
Creating an international grid like OSOWOG involves:
• Bilateral agreements
• Legal harmonization
• Huge infrastructure investments
This can slow progress and limit real-time implementation.
Governance & Participation
ISA began with a focus on tropical countries only. Although this has expanded, voting and governance structures still need reform to ensure fair participation by all member states, including non-tropical countries like the US, Japan, or Germany.
🛣 Path Forward: 2 Key Strategies
To ensure that the ISA scales sustainably and delivers on its mission, the following two priorities stand out:
Strengthen Regional Grids
The One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative is promising but complex. Instead of
jumping directly to a global grid, ISA can focus on:
• Piloting regional solar grids
• South Asia–Middle East interconnections
• East Africa–India transmission corridors
This allows for smaller, scalable projects that can be connected later.
Encourages trust and data sharing between regional neighbors.
Such modular implementation will help build both infrastructure and political will step by
step.
Build Innovation Ecosystems
Beyond hardware, the future of solar energy lies in smart software and new business models.
ISA can:
• Support local energy startups through SolarX and similar challenges
• Fund research on solar + storage systems, agri-voltaics, and urban solar rooftops
• Create regional innovation hubs in Africa and Southeast Asia to ensure south-to-south
knowledge sharing
This would not only boost climate outcomes but also create jobs, stimulate local economies,
and reduce technology dependence on the West.
Conclusion
The International Solar Alliance is more than a climate platform—it's a visionary framework for energy justice, climate leadership, and sustainable development. India, as its founding leader, has demonstrated how diplomacy, innovation, and purpose can converge in one mission: harnessing the sun to power the world.
By solving its financing and infrastructure challenges, and focusing on regional grids and innovation ecosystems, ISA can fulfill its potential as a truly global force for clean, inclusive energy.
The sun rises for all. The ISA is making sure that the benefits of that sunrise are shared by all—not just the few.