India’s installed solar capacity has now hit nearly 136 gigawatts, representing about half of the country’s renewable energy capacity. Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, emphasized the significant growth achieved through sustained policy commitment and innovation. He also noted the increasing global momentum towards solar energy and the role of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in driving the clean energy transition worldwide.
The Minister, speaking at the ISA Foundation Day celebrations, highlighted the Alliance’s contribution to advancing sustainable development through solar energy. He praised ISA for translating the potential of solar energy into tangible benefits globally, especially in emerging and developing economies. The International Solar Alliance, comprising over 120 countries, has become a key player in accelerating the global shift towards solar energy deployment.
Pralhad Joshi underscored the transformative initiatives like PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM that are directly benefiting people by enabling them to harness clean solar power. He pointed out that while the world took about twenty-five years to install the first 1,000 gigawatts of solar capacity, the next 1,000 gigawatts are expected to be achieved at a much faster pace, marking a significant milestone in the global energy transition.
The Minister emphasized the growing importance of the Global South in the clean energy transition, where the demand for energy is rising, and solar resources offer a unique opportunity for sustainable development. He highlighted the International Solar Alliance as a pivotal platform uniting governments, development partners, financial institutions, and the private sector to expand solar deployment and create new avenues for sustainable growth.
Ashish Khanna, Director General of the International Solar Alliance, credited the progress of ISA to the commitment and leadership of its member countries across various regions. He expressed gratitude towards partner organizations and the young solar professionals trained at IIT Delhi for their contributions to ISA’s mission. The International Solar Alliance was jointly launched by India and France during the COP21 climate conference in Paris in 2015, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
