Lok Sabha Question No. 2724 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Solar Alliance Influence
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: Smt. Aparajita Sarangi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2724

ANSWERED ON 11/12/2024

## SOLAR ALLIANCE INFLUENCE

## 2724. SMT. APARAJITA SARANGI

Will the Minister of NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has taken any steps to expand International Solar Alliance (ISA's) influence in the region like Middle East, South Asia and if so, the details thereof;

- (b)  the details of steps being taken by the Government to facilitate technological collaboration and knowledge transfer between India and other member countries for ISA;
- (c)  whether the Government has made any collaboration with international financial institutions such as World Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) or Green Climate Fund to channel financing for ISA projects since the last year and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the step being taken by the Government to ensure transparency and accountability in the execution of solar projects under the ISA?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF  STATE  FOR NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER

## (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

(a) International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform co-founded by India and France and is the first inter-governmental treaty based international organization headquartered in India.  India, which has been the President of the ISA since its inception in 2018, has continuously advocated ISA's membership in discussions with various countries. Consequently, at present, ISA has a total of 104 member countries. These countries, inter-alia , include United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kingdom of Bahrain, Syria, Yemen from the Middle East and Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal from South Asia. Another 16 signatory countries are in the process to ratify the framework agreement to attain full membership status including Israel and Lebanon.

(b) In order to develop and deploy cost-effective and transformational solar energy solutions in member countries, ISA under India's Presidency, has developed thematic programmes which, inter-alia, include the following:

- i. Scaling up Solar Applications for Agricultural Use
- ii. Affordable Finance at Scale
- iii. Scaling up Solar Mini-Grids
- iv. Scaling Rooftop Solar
- v. Scaling Solar E-Mobility and Storage
- vi. Solar Parks
- vii. Solarising Heating and Cooling Systems
- viii. Solar PV Battery and Waste Management
- ix. Solar for Green Hydrogen

Further, the ISA, through the Solar Technology Applications Resource Centres (STAR-Cs) for research, training and development activities, has trained participants on various aspects of solar energy.

(c) As a member country and President of ISA Assembly, India supports ISA's efforts for mobilizing finances for its activities.  ISA  has  received  about  USD  8.98  Million  since  2021  from  global  foundations  and  other  international organisations.  In-kind  contributions  have  also  been  received  from  the  Asian  Development  Bank,  the  European Commission and the IBSA Fund for implementing various projects and activities in the ISA Member Countries.

(d) During the recently held 7 th Assembly meeting of ISA, India, as a member country, has supported the formation of ISA Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Policy. The purpose of this Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Policy  is  to  set  guidelines  and  processes  for  effective  planning,  measuring,  reporting  and  evaluating  the  work  of International Solar Alliance (ISA). The  policy  helps  track  progress  towards  agreed  results;  ensures  mutual accountability; and facilitates informed decision-making and learning.

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