Eighth meeting of standing committee of International Solar Alliance held in Delhi in hybrid format

New Delhi: The eighth meeting of the Standing Committee of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) took place in New Delhi and was chaired by Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, R K Singh, said the MNRE Ministry in a statement on Wednesday. The committee, comprising both in-person and virtual participants, discussed key initiatives aimed at promoting solar energy adoption worldwide, it added.

Singh emphasised the urgent need for an energy transition on a global scale

In his opening remarks, RK Singh emphasised the urgent need for an energy transition on a global scale. Recognising that the question of whether the world needs to transition to renewable energy is settled, he stated, "A new global energy economy is emerging, with the rapid growth of renewables as the alternative source of energy."

Cumulative global solar PV capacity has reached approximately 942 GW

Singh highlighted the crucial role of solar energy development in achieving this transition, noting the significant growth in global solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity over the past decade. He stated that the cumulative global solar PV capacity has reached approximately 942 GW, with a record-breaking 175 GW installed in 2021 alone.

Solar PV technology

The Minister emphasised the increasing dominance of solar PV technology as the world moves towards net-zero emissions. Furthermore, Singh stated the potential of solar PV technology in various sectors, such as distributed energy, agro-PV, and surface-integrated solar cells. These applications open new avenues for deploying solar energy, contributing to its rapid growth.

Climate action

Regarding climate action, the Minister stressed that humanity has limited time to address the environmental challenge. To achieve a net-zero future, he emphasised the importance of providing access to clean energy for the least developed countries. Singh called for increased funding and public support to channel green funds towards African nations, urging global cooperation to tackle the climate crisis.

ISA will continue to play a significant role in creating a greener world

Congratulating ISA members for their contributions, Singh stated that the organisation will continue to play a significant role in creating a greener and more sustainable world. He acknowledged the ongoing energy transition and anticipated the implementation of more solar projects, expanding electricity access and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

During the meeting, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, Minister of State for Development, Francophonie, and International Partnerships of France, joined virtually and expressed satisfaction with the ISA's recognition as a full-fledged international organisation. France emphasised the need to phase out fossil fuels and scale up renewable energy worldwide. The country voiced its support for ISA's priorities, particularly capacity building and increased investment in solar energy, highlighting the crucial role of ISA's active engagement in achieving success at COP28.

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