ISA Marks Foundation Day as Global Solar Alliance Crosses 120 Nations

Joshi recalled that nearly a decade ago, India and France jointly launched the International Solar Alliance with the aim of placing solar energy at the centre of global development strategies.

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is emerging as a powerful global coalition driving the clean energy transition, with more than 120 countries now part of the alliance, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said during the ISA Foundation Day celebrations in New Delhi.

Addressing the event on March 11, the minister highlighted the growing global momentum behind solar energy and India’s leadership in advancing sustainable development through international collaboration.

From Vision to Global Solar Movement

Joshi recalled that nearly a decade ago, India and France jointly launched the International Solar Alliance with the aim of placing solar energy at the centre of global development strategies.

He said the initiative, supported by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has evolved into a global platform helping countries expand clean energy access.

“What began as a powerful vision has today grown into a coalition of more than 120 countries working collectively to accelerate the global solar transition,” he said.

Solar Energy Driving Development Worldwide

The minister emphasised that ISA’s initiatives are delivering tangible benefits in communities across developing nations.

According to Joshi, the alliance has helped deploy solar solutions that:

• Power healthcare facilities, ensuring uninterrupted services

• Support solar-powered irrigation and cold storage for farmers

• Improve food security and agricultural productivity

• Provide clean electricity to schools and public institutions

He also highlighted ISA’s efforts to support startups, young professionals and innovation ecosystems, creating new employment opportunities in the clean energy sector.

India’s Solar Growth Shows Policy Impact

Highlighting India’s domestic achievements, Joshi noted that the country’s installed solar capacity has reached nearly 136 gigawatts, accounting for almost half of India’s total renewable energy capacity.

He said this rapid expansion demonstrates how consistent policy support and technological innovation can accelerate the clean energy transition.

The minister also pointed to flagship government programmes expanding solar adoption among citizens, including:

• PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, enabling households to generate their own electricity

• PM-KUSUM, providing solar-powered irrigation systems for farmers

These initiatives are helping deliver the benefits of renewable energy directly to rural communities and households.

Global Solar Deployment Accelerating

Joshi highlighted the remarkable pace of global solar expansion, noting that it took nearly 25 years for the world to install the first 1,000 gigawatts of solar capacity.

However, the next 1,000 gigawatts is expected to be achieved much faster, reflecting a rapid acceleration in the global energy transition.

He said the Global South is becoming the centre of gravity for the clean energy transition, as developing countries combine rising energy demand with abundant solar resources.

ISA as a Platform for Global Energy Cooperation

The International Solar Alliance is now acting as a unique platform connecting governments, development partners, financial institutions and private sector stakeholders to accelerate solar deployment.

Through initiatives such as decentralised renewable energy systems, solar irrigation and the Global Solar Facility, ISA is supporting countries in expanding energy access and strengthening livelihoods.

Joshi said the alliance reflects the Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the belief that the world is one family, emphasising collective global action for sustainable development.

AI and Digital Technologies to Transform Energy Systems

The minister also highlighted the growing role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in shaping the next phase of the global energy transition.

He noted ISA’s leadership in advancing the Global Mission on AI for Energy, which aims to harness advanced technologies to build smarter and more resilient energy systems.

India Targets 500 GW Renewable Capacity by 2030

Speaking at the event, Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, said solar energy has emerged as one of the most important public goods of the modern era.

He highlighted India’s commitment to achieving 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030, supported by strong policy frameworks, domestic manufacturing initiatives and citizen participation in clean energy adoption.

Sarangi said India is also working to extend solar benefits globally through platforms like ISA and the Africa Solar Facility.

ISA Coalition Now Spans 125 Countries

ISA Director General Ashish Khanna said the alliance has grown into a global coalition of 125 member and signatory countries, united by the goal of making solar energy widely accessible.

He acknowledged the contributions of 77 partner organisations and the growing network of young solar professionals trained at IIT Delhi, who are helping drive the mission forward.

“Our members across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe are the true custodians of ISA’s progress,” Khanna said.

Green Hydrogen Startup Challenge Announced

During the event, ISA also announced the Green Hydrogen and Storage Start-up Challenge 2026, aimed at identifying innovative startups developing green hydrogen and energy storage solutions.

Selected startups will receive:

• Structured mentoring and acceleration support

• Access to ISA member country markets

• Opportunities for technology transfer and scale-up

The initiative aims to build a global ecosystem supporting next-generation clean energy technologies.

New Digital Platform for Global Solar Collaboration

The International Solar Alliance also unveiled a new upgraded website, designed to improve engagement with member countries, partners and stakeholders.

The enhanced digital platform will provide better access to knowledge resources, programmes and collaboration opportunities, reflecting the alliance’s expanding global activities.

Officials said the platform will act as a dynamic gateway to ISA’s growing portfolio of solar energy initiatives worldwide.