The Nepal Weekly 
September 17, 2024
Nepal has become the 101st country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a full member. The Ministry of External Affairs said that Nepal handed over its Instrument of Ratification to the ISA in New Delhi on 9th September. Acting Ambassador Dr. Surendra Thapa in New Delhi handed over the document to Abhishek Singh, JS (ED & MER) and Head of Depository, in New Delhi.
The ISA is a global intergovernmental organization dedicated to advancing solar power adoption for a carbon-neutral future.
The ISA is a collaborative initiative between India and France aimed at uniting efforts to combat climate change by implementing solar energy solutions. It was conceptualized on the side lines of COP21 in Paris in 2015.
Since a 2020 amendment to its Framework Agreement, the ISA has opened its membership to all UN member states, broadening its global reach. The organization’s work includes spreading awareness, aiding in the creation of solar-friendly policies, developing new business models for solar projects, and enhancing financial access to attract private investments in solar energy.
ISA is an alliance of more than 120 signatory countries, most being sunshine countries. The primary objective of the alliance is to work for the efficient consumption of solar energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The focus is on solar power utilization. The launching of such an alliance in Paris also sends a strong signal to the global communities about the sincerity of the developing nations towards their concern about climate change and to switch to a low-carbon growth path. India has pledged a target of installing 175 GW of renewable energy of which 100 GW will be solar energy by 2022 and reduction in emission intensity by 33–35% by 2030 to let solar energy reach to the most unconnected villages and communities and also towards creating a clean planet. India’s pledge to the Paris summit offered to bring 40% of its electricity generation capacity (not actual production) from non-fossil sources (renewable, large hydro, and nuclear) by 2030. It is based on world cooperation.
The alliance prioritise actions on (1) analytics and advocacy focus, spreads awareness and champions the adoption of solar-friendly policies, (2) aids governments in creating solar-friendly energy policies through Ease of Doing Solar analytics and advice, (3) develops, tests and implements new business models for solar projects and aggregates demand for solar technology across nations, and (4) enhances financial access by mitigating risks and attracting private investments.
The ISA is headquartered in Haryana, India.
The alliance is also called International Agency for Solar Policy and Application (IASPA).
Nepal’s membership in the ISA marks a significant step in its commitment to advancing renewable energy and contributing to global efforts against climate change.
