The International Solar Alliance (ISA), a coalition of more than 120 countries that aims to accelerate the large-scale expansion of solar energy, hosted the official ceremony for inauguration of the Interim Secretariat & Foundation Stone laying Ceremony of ISA Headquarter in New Delhi (Gurgaon), India on 25 January 2016. The ceremony attended by representatives from 80 countries, was led by French President Francois Hollande, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UAE Minister of State and Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Change, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber, and the Indian Minister of New and Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal.
The ISA was launched during the Paris climate summit where the UAE was among one of its founding partners. The ISA will serve as a platform for cooperation among 'solar rich' countries. Key ISA initiatives include reducing financial risk of solar investments, enhancing technology transfer and knowledge sharing, especially in developing countries, building capacity, and increasing worldwide energy access.
"At the opening of the Paris Climate Conference, we together launched the International Solar Alliance, in the presence of many Heads of State and CEOs. This alliance is now supported by over 100 countries," said Francois Hollande. "Now with COP21 over, a new phase is beginning in which our words must become actions. We must implement on a large scale the solution tailored to each country. The first meeting was held in Abu Dhabi a few days ago. The alliance must begin work without delay in order to achieve tangible results on the ground."
"Solar power offers the world a tremendous opportunity to reduce the impacts of climate change and deliver clean energy to millions," said Narendra Modi. "Today’s inaugural of the new International Solar Alliance headquarters here in India is a major milestone in the global transition to a clean energy future."
The ISA held its Steering Committee meeting at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, one of the world’s largest gatherings on sustainability and renewable energy. The UAE attended the meeting, along other with other government and business leaders.
"Solar power development will unlock enormous economic benefits for the global community, creating new sectors and jobs that will strengthen our future economy," said Dr. Sultan Al Jaber. "The International Solar Alliance further supports the UAE’s efforts to diversify our economy and energy sources."
"The UAE has a proven track record of achievements in the renewable energy and sustainability sector, making our participation in the alliance even more important," Dr. Al Jaber added. "Over the past decade, we have played a leading role in the dissemination and application of clean energy technologies and have become a major player in global energy security."
The ISA is spearheaded by India, which is investing an initial US$30 million to set up the ISA headquarters, expected to be operational by mid-2016. India is expected to be the world’s most populous country by 2030 and has set a target to produce 40 percent of its electricity from renewables by then. The country also plans to install 175 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2022. |
