India re-elected as President of International Solar Alliance
The Republic of France retain the Presidency and Co-Presidency of the ISA Assembly
New Delhi, 10Nov. 24: The seventh session of the ISA Assembly has elected its President and Co-president for a period of two years from 2024 to 2026. While the Republic of India was the sole contender for the post of President, the Co-Presidency was contested between the Republic of France and Grenada, with the Republic of France emerging victorious. The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the International Solar Alliance provide for the election of the President, Co-President, and Vice Presidents.
In a recent reshuffle of ISA leadership, World Bank energy specialist Ashish Khanna is set to succeed Dr. Ajay Mathur as ISA Director General, assuming the role in 2025. Khanna has over 26 years of experience in energy sector development across private and public sectors in more than 15 developing countries across South Asia, West Asia, North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
President of the ISA Assembly and India’s Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, opened the Assembly by highlighting ISA’s recent achievements and its growing role in reshaping the global energy landscape. Solar energy, once an ambitious vision, has become a powerful reality,” he remarked, emphasizing how ISA has evolved from concept to active force for sustainable energy. Joshi revealed that ISA had completed 21 out of 27 demonstration projects, each showcasing the potential of solar power to drive sustainable growth, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). “These successful projects,” Joshi noted, “are a testament to our shared commitment to a sustainable future.”
The Assembly elects the President and Co-President, with due regard to equitable geographical representation. The four regional groups of the ISA Members include Africa; Asia and the Pacific; Europe and Others; and Latin America and the Caribbean. Eight Vice Presidents of the Standing Committee, two from each of the four ISA geographical regions, are selected based on seniority in terms of submitting the instrument of ratification to the depositary on a rotation basis from the ISA Member Countries in the specific region.
The Republic of Ghana and the Republic of Seychelles will hold office as Vice Presidents for the Africa region; the Commonwealth of Australia and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for Asia and the Pacific region; the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of Italy for Europe and the Others region; Grenada and Republic of Suriname from the Latin America and the Caribbean region.
At the ISA 7th Assembly, World Solar reports focusing on global solar growth, investment trends, technological advancements, and Africa’s green hydrogen potential were released.
The World Solar Market Report reveals exceptional solar growth, with global capacity soaring from 1.22 GW in 2000 to 1,418.97 GW in 2023. Manufacturing is set to exceed demand, making solar more affordable. Solar jobs have surged to 7.1 million, and global capacity may reach 7,203 GW by 2030.
The latest World Investment Report highlights a global shift toward sustainable energy, with energy investments rising from $2.4 trillion in 2018 to $3.1 trillion by 2024. Solar leads renewable energy investments, accounting for 59% of the total, driven by lower costs, with APAC emerging as the top investing region.
The World Technology Report showcases advancements in solar technology, emphasising breakthroughs in efficiency, sustainability, and affordability. Highlights include record-setting 24.9% efficiency in solar PV modules, an 88% reduction in silicon usage since 2004, and a 90% drop in utility-scale solar PV costs, fostering resilient, cost-effective energy solutions
Readiness Assessment of Green Hydrogen African Countries
The highlights green hydrogen’s potential to decarbonise industries heavily reliant on fossil fuels, such as steel and fertilizer production. Produced via renewable-powered electrolysis, green hydrogen offers a viable alternative to coal, oil, and gas, supporting Africa’s transition to cleaner energy
As the apex decision-making body of ISA, the Assembly holds significant authority and responsibility. It represents each Member Country and makes crucial decisions concerning the implementation of the ISA’s Framework Agreement and coordinated actions to be taken to achieve its objective.
The Assembly meets annually at the ministerial level at the ISA’s seat, underscoring the regularity and importance of these gatherings. It assesses the aggregate effect of the programmes and other activities in terms of deployment of solar energy, performance, reliability, cost, and scale of finance.
The Seventh Session of the ISA Assembly is currently deliberating on the ISA’s key initiatives, focusing on three critical issues: energy access, energy security, and energy transition. These discussions aim to address and find solutions to these pressing global concerns.
The ISA’s governance bodies, the Assembly, the Standing Committee, and the Regional Committees, offer an integrated approach to governance and decision-making within the Alliance. These Meetings extend the ISA Secretariat the opportunity to enhance cooperation with ISA Member Countries, as well as provide Member Countries with the ability to improve collaboration among themselves and mutually identify avenues of cooperation and partnership.
