The 8th International Solar Alliance (ISA) assembly in New Delhi has become a focal point for African and small island nations looking to strengthen partnerships with Indian companies. These nations aim to expand affordable off-grid solar power access, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions.

Ghana's Solar-Powered Initiative

Ghana has taken a proactive stance by signing a country partnership with ISA. The West African nation plans to deploy solar-powered pumps to enhance food and water security. This move comes as a strategic response to the country's current annual food import bill of $2 billion.

Dominica's Renewable Energy Targets

Dominica, a small island nation in the Caribbean, is setting ambitious renewable energy goals. The country's Foreign Affairs Minister highlighted that efficiency improvements could significantly reduce power costs. However, the nation faces unique challenges, particularly for floating solar projects due to the threat of cyclones.

Cost Comparison: Solar vs. Diesel

ISA Director General Ashish Khanna emphasized the potential for substantial cost reductions through collective procurement by small island nations. The cost difference between solar and diesel-based electricity is striking:

This significant price difference underscores the economic benefits of transitioning to solar energy, especially for smaller nations.

Conclusion

The ISA assembly has highlighted the growing interest in renewable energy solutions, particularly solar power, among developing nations. As countries like Ghana and Dominica set ambitious targets and seek partnerships, the role of Indian companies in facilitating this transition becomes increasingly important. The collective approach to procurement and the focus on off-grid solutions could pave the way for more accessible and affordable clean energy in regions that need it most.

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has pinpointed distributed renewable energy, battery storage, and floating solar projects as crucial elements driving the global shift towards green energy. This announcement comes as part of ISA's ongoing efforts to promote solar power adoption worldwide.

Battery Storage Costs Plummet

ISA Director General Ashish Khanna highlighted a significant development in the energy sector: the cost of battery storage has halved over the past year. This dramatic reduction has made solar-plus-storage projects competitive with new coal-based power stations, potentially accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels.

Rapid Growth in Solar Capacity

The alliance noted remarkable progress in global solar capacity installation:

This data illustrates the accelerating pace of solar energy adoption worldwide. The ISA expects 70% of this growth to come from the Asia-Pacific region, underlining the area's significant role in the global energy transition.

Floating Solar Projects on the Rise

The ISA projects substantial growth in floating solar capacity:

This nearly eight-fold increase highlights the growing importance of floating solar technology in the renewable energy mix.

Integrated Hybrid Projects for Small Islands and Least-Developed Countries

For small island nations and least-developed countries, the ISA is promoting integrated hybrid projects. These innovative solutions combine:

• Green hydrogen
• Floating solar
• Wind power
• Pumped storage

This approach aims to provide comprehensive and sustainable energy solutions tailored to the unique needs of these nations.

About the International Solar Alliance

Launched in 2015 by India and France, the ISA has grown to include 124 member and signatory countries. The alliance's primary goal is to unlock solar investments by 2030 through reduced technology and financing costs, fostering a global transition to sustainable energy sources.

As the world grapples with climate change and the need for sustainable energy solutions, the ISA's focus on key growth drivers in the solar sector could play a crucial role in shaping the future of global energy production and consumption.